No happy return for Spieth
Defending champion Jordan Spieth struggled to an uncharacteristic 76 in the first round of the Valspar Championship on Thursday.
The world number one was one of the hot favourites at Innesbrook this week, but already finds himself nine shots behind the early clubhouse leaders on five over par.
Spieth's front nine is where most of the disaster struck. His tee shots were wildly erratic and he struggled to find greens in regulation, leading to five bogeys in a seven-hole stretch. There was a birdie in there too, but it wasn't nearly enough to stop the rot.
Spieth's back nine wasn't much better – he failed to make another birdie and added another bogey for good measure.
The 22-year-old now has work ahead of him if he hopes to make the cut on Friday.
Latest
-
NewsCaroline Hedwall takes one-shot lead at Scandinavian Mixed
The Swede carded two eagles, five birdies and a solitary bogey at Vallda Golf and Country Club.
-
NewsHighly-rated young British golfer Ben Schmidt signs with White Rose Sports Management
Record-breaking young British golfer Ben Schmidt has chosen White Rose Sports Management to represent as he turns professional.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson primed for another shot at history at Torrey Pines
The American recently became the oldest winner in major championship history.
-
NewsSam Horsfield tied for lead with Christine Wolf at inaugural Scandinavian Mixed
The event is a first on the European Tour as it features 78 men and 78 women competing for one prize fund and one trophy.
-
Dave TindallThe Palmetto Championship: Is Brooks Koepka a poor punt before a Major?
Will the American be distracted ahead of the US Open at Torrey Pines?
-
NewsBrooks Koepka insists rivalry with Bryson DeChambeau is ‘good for the game’
The pair are Ryder Cup team-mates.
-
NewsEngland’s Meghan MacLaren eager to compete against men in Scandinavian Mixed
Hosted by Annika Sorenstam and Henrik Stenson, the £860,000 event is a first on the European Tour.
-
NewsQ&A: Key questions answered surrounding Premier Golf League’s proposals
The Premier Golf League have outlined their proposals for a new, Formula One-style global competition featuring the top 48 male players in the world.
-
NewsDanny Willett undergoes surgery after suffering with appendicitis
The 33-year-old Englishman said in a post on his official Twitter account that the operation also removed a hernia.
-
Dave TindallUS Open betting clues: what some of the top players are saying about Torrey Pines
A look at what the leading stars are saying about this month’s US Open venue.