Hoffman ahead at Houston Open
Charley Hoffman carded an eight-under-par 64 to take a one-shot lead at the Houston Open on Thursday.
Hoffman is closely followed by Dustin Johnson, Roberto Castro, Scott Brown and Morgan Hoffmann who fired seven-under-par 65s.
World number two Jordan Spieth is three strokes off the lead in a tie for 10th after hitting a five-under-par 67, while Rickie Fowler is in a tie for 32nd and trails Hoffman by five strokes.
Hoffman, who won just one of his three matches at the WGC-Dell Match Play last week, began with a holed 16-foot birdie putt at the 10th before making a hat-trick of birdies from the 12th to 14th.
Despite recording a bogey at the 16th, which was his only blemish of the round, Hoffman rebounded on his back nine with four consecutive birdies from the first to fourth, including a chip-in from a green-side bunker at the first. He went on to conclude his round with a birdie at the eighth. The 39-year-old is now in prime position to claim the final qualifying spot for next week's Masters.
Johnson began with three birdies – including a holed 29-foot birdie putt at the 12th – and a bogey on his front nine. The American's fortunes took a turn for the better on the closing nine as he notched up an eagle at the par-five eighth to go with four birdies and a bogey.
Castro’s round consisted of seven birdies, the highlight of which was a 27-foot birdie putt at the 12th, while Brown also registered seven birdies, three of which came in a row from the sixth to eighth. Hoffmann meanwhile made seven birdies, two bogeys and an incredible eagle from 76 yards at the par-five fourth.
Spieth kicked off his round in style as he made a 48-yard chip-in birdie from the right fairway before going on to make three more birdies to take the turn in 32. The 22-year-old was unable to maintain his momentum on his back nine though as he missed a 10-foot par putt to record a bogey at the 10th, but atoned for his mistake with consecutive birdies at the 14th and 15th.
Fowler fired a three-under-par 69 and looked in good form throughout his round as he made five birdies. However, his hopes of a strong finish were dashed when he registered a double bogey at the par-four 18th after his tee shot fell into the water.
The tournament is without its defending champion, J.B. Holmes, who withdrew on Wednesday due to a shoulder injury.
Latest
-
European TourViktor Hovland goes back-to-back in the Bahamas with Hero World Challenge win
The Norwegian held off Scottie Scheffler to win by two shots.
-
European TourHome favourite Thriston Lawrence survives late scare to win South African Open
The South African beat Clement Sordet by one stroke.
-
European TourAdrian Meronk wins Australian Open as playing partner Adam Scott misses out
Home favourite Scott held a one-shot lead going into the final round at Victoria GC but Meronk shot 66 to win by five strokes.
-
European TourPoland’s Adrian Meronk eclipses Adam Scott to win Australian Open
Despite taking the lead into Sunday, Scott was ultimately unable to repel Meronk’s challenge.
-
European TourThriston Lawrence and Clement Sordet set for final-day battle at South African Open
Thriston Lawrence leads his playing partner by two shots.
-
European TourAdam Scott leads Australian Open ahead of Adrian Meronk
Scott moved to 11 under on Saturday, one stroke better than Meronk at the summit.
-
European TourAdam Scott equals course record to share halfway lead at Australian Open
Scott carded five birdies and an eagle on the 18th at Victoria Golf Club.
-
European TourHole-in-one helps Tom McKibbin make strong start in South Africa
The 19-year-old holed out with a five iron from 232 yards on the 11th hole.
-
NewsA nice birdie-fest – Tiger Woods expecting low scoring Hero World Challenge
Woods withdrew on Monday due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot.
-
NewsAdam Scott relishing chance to experience a career first at the Australian Open
The tournament sees men, women and golfers with disabilities competing on the same course at the same time.