Putnam leads Humana Challenge
Michael Putnam took a one-shot lead in the PGA Tour’s Humana Challenge on Thursday after shooting a nine-under 63 in the first round.
The American fired one bogey and ten birdies, including a run of six consecutive birdies between the 12th and 17th holes, on the PGA West’s Jack Nicklaus Private Course in California.
Putnam told AP that he was pleased with his opening round.
“The course is in perfect shape. Greens are good. … I made a lot of birdies at the end,” he said.
“Hit a lot of close shots, a lot of 5-, 10-foot putts. I made them all, so I got to be happy about that.”
Italian Francesco Molinari and Americans Mark Wilson, Blake Adams, John Peterson and Scott Pinckney all share second place, trailing Putnam by a single shot.
Americans Patrick Reed, Matt Kuchar, Jason Kokrak and Steve Wheatcroft, are tied for seventh place on seven-under after the first round.
Phil Mickelson, making his return to competition after a four hiatus, shot a one-under 71 and trails Putnam by eight shots. Mickelson last played competitively at the Ryder Cup last year.
“Even though this score is the worst I’ve had in a long time, in months, I’m excited about my game and getting back out tomorrow,” Mickelson said.
“I can’t wait to get started again, because I just feel like I played a little tight today, kind of steered it a little bit.”
“It was the first round in four months and I’ll loosen up. Hopefully, the way I’m playing will show in the score. But today, it just didn’t.”
The 44-year-old, who won the Humana Challenge in 2002 and 2004, used his time away from the game to improve his physical strength. He adds that his “body hasn’t felt this good in years”.
Latest
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits picking his Ryder Cup wild cards was a tough task
Justin Rose missed out as Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Shane Lowry were selected.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits leaving out Justin Rose was ‘incredibly difficult’
Rose eagled the 18th at Wentworth in a final round of 65 to finish in a tie for sixth, but that was not enough.
-
NewsRyder Cup setback fired up Wentworth winner Billy Horschel
The American was victorious in the BMW PGA Championship.
-
NewsBilly Horschel emulates Arnold Palmer as American winner of BMW PGA Championship
Seven-time major winner Palmer claimed the title at Royal St George’s in 1975.
-
NewsFrancesco Laporta has the edge as Ryder Cup qualifying battle hots up
European captain Padraig Harrington is facing a major selection headache.
-
NewsLee Westwood questions the structure of Europe’s Ryder Cup qualifying system
Kiradech Aphibarnrat added a 68 to his opening 64 at Wentworth to post a halfway total of 12 under par and lead by one from England’s Laurie Canter.
-
NewsEngland’s Laurie Canter sets halfway target at PGA Championship
Canter carded eight birdies and two bogeys in a second round of 66 to post a halfway total of 11 under par.
-
NewsAdam Scott happy to be back at Wentworth after encouraging opening round
Scott carded eight birdies and a solitary bogey to finish seven under par on Thursday.
-
NewsAdam Scott produces impressive first round on return to Wentworth
The Australian was contesting one of the European Tour’s flagship events for the first time since 2006.
-
NewsBrendan Lawlor pushing to prove Para-golf worth playing at Paris Paralympics
Disability golf was turned down for a place at the 2024 Games but world number one Lawlor still hopes it can be reinstated.