Molder one clear in Texas
American Bryce Molder brushed off a 91-minute weather delay to card a six-under-par 64 in the first round of the Dean & Deluca Invitational on Thursday to take a one-shot lead.
Anirban Lahiri, Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson are in a tie for second after firing an opening 65.
World number two Jordan Spieth shot a 67 and currently sits in a tie for ninth.
Molder began his round with nine straight pars before birdying six of his last nine holes to put himself ahead by one-stroke in Fort Worth, Texas.
The 37-year-old has one victory on the PGA Tour, at the Frys.com Open back in 2011. This season, he has garnered four top-10 finishes, including a tie for eighth at the Zurich Classic a month ago.
On the conditions, Molder said; “I don’t know if it helped. Maybe so. I went back out on the range, tinkered here and there, and found a little groove.”
Lahiri notched up seven birdies in his round of 65, with four birdies on his closing nine propelling him to five-under.
Spieth began strongly with birdies at the opening two holes, but bogeyed the par-three fourth and could only muster two further birdies in his round of 67.
The Texan’s current form was criticised by Craig Perks who said he was concerned with Spieth’s body language; “I think the mental attitude and the makeup is most important. He’s been exasperated a lot, maybe too demonstrative at times.”
The shot of the day went to Kevin Chappell who holed an eagle from 158 yards on the par-4 10th.
Latest
-
NewsRory McIlroy not impressed as Brooks Koepka becomes latest big name to join LIV
The world number two labelled the players who have joined the new series as “duplicitous” for the way they have handled their breakaway.
-
The OpenR&A confirms LIV Golf Series players will be allowed to compete at Open
The 150th Open Championship will get underway at St Andrews in three weeks’ time.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick turns to other major winners for advice on dealing with fame
Fitzpatrick won the US Open on Sunday.
-
NewsBrooks Koepka set to join Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series
Koepka’s brother Chase played in the opening event at Centurion Club earlier this month.
-
US OpenGary Player urges Matt Fitzpatrick to avoid ‘poison’ of modern-day coaching
Player tells US Open champion Fitzpatrick to learn from mistakes of recent major winners, saying: “The teaching today is the worst it has ever been.”
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick’s caddie Billy Foster ready for ‘long party’ after US Open win
Foster won his first major after a 40-year career which includes spells working for the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick backed to become a dominant force after winning first major
The Englishman claimed his first major title at Brookline.
-
US OpenMatt Fitzpatrick: A Blade with plenty of support who can really cut it
The Sheffield golfer landed his first major – and first professional win in America – at Brookline on Sunday.
-
US OpenMixed emotions for Rory McIlroy after US Open disappointment
McIlroy finished joint fifth at Brookline.
-
US OpenGolfing world and beyond react to Matt Fitzpatrick’s US Open victory
The 27-year-old held off Will Zalatoris and world number one Scottie Scheffler to win by one stroke at Brookline.