Grace takes slender lead at Texas Open
Branden Grace takes a one shot lead into the second day of the Valero Texas Open after a birdie-laden round of 66.
The South African – who has just one previous PGA Tour win to his name – shot six under par in San Antonio, Texas.
Grace is the third highest ranked player in the field and he made the most of that advantage after sinking seven birdies and only a single bogey at the AT&T Oaks Course.
“I enjoy coming back here,” Grace said. “I think it’s my third or fourth visit and I’ve played well here in the past.
“It’s one of those courses I like playing. The wind blows. I like playing in the wind. I like hitting it a lot lower than the normal guys out there.”
Veteran Stewart Cink is one of three players tied for second, alongside Will MacKenzie and John Huh. The trio all shot a five-under 67.
Defending champion Charley Hoffman has some work to do though if he is to retain his trophy after a one-under-par round of 71.
Latest
-
NewsRory McIlroy through in Austin after rolling back years to outwit Keegan Bradley
McIlroy eased to a 3&2 victory to win group three with a 100 per cent record.
-
NewsShane Lowry resists fightback to knock Jordan Spieth out of WGC-Dell Match Play
Lowry had already been eliminated following defeats by Taylor Montgomery and Mackenzie Hughes.
-
NewsRory McIlroy’s strong finish makes it two wins from two in WGC-Dell Match Play
McIlroy made it two wins out of two in sensational style.
-
NewsJon Rahm stays in WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play hunt as Shane Lowry exits
The former US Open champion bounced back to beat Keith Mitchell.
-
NewsJon Rahm claims convincing victory on day two of WGC-Dell Match Play
The Spaniard has won three strokeplay events on the PGA Tour this season.
-
PGA TourRory McIlroy has ‘one eye on Augusta’ as big names suffer defeats in Austin
McIlroy had led from start to finish to beat Scott Stallings 3&1.
-
PGA TourMatt Fitzpatrick suffers heavy defeat in WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play opener
Fitzpatrick is the top seed in group 11 at Austin Country Club.
-
PGA TourRory McIlroy backs ‘unpopular’ shorter ball proposal with majors on his mind
The Northern Irishman said he could choose to play it in PGA Tour tournaments even if not adopted on the US circuit.
-
PGA TourScottie Sheffler ‘loves’ match play format ahead of title defence in Austin
The top seed takes on Tom Kim, Alex Noren and Davis Riley in group one this week.
-
PGA TourSam Burns hoping to return to form as he bids for Valspar Championship hat-trick
Burns has posted just one top-10 finish so far this season