Saunders sets the pace
Sam Saunders earned a one stroke lead following the opening round of the PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship on Thursday.
Saunders, who is Arnold Palmer’s grandson, carded a seven under 64 on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, enough for a one shot lead ahead of fellow American Jason Gore.
The Floridian’s flawless round saw him drain seven birdies, including a run of three in a row on the back nine. However, Saunders felt the round could have been even better.
“I just putted a lot better,” revealed the 27-year-old on ESPN.
“I’ve been playing really well lately, been hitting the ball as well as I’ve ever hit it in my career in the past few weeks, really last month. I just had been putting terribly. I finally just had a few putts go in today, and that always turns over into a little bit of confidence, and it was really just that.
“It is just the first round, yes, but it’s always nice to get off to a good start. You have to hit the ball well here, and I did that today. I drove it well, and I hit a lot of good iron shots. You don’t have to putt great here, I think, to shoot a good, solid score, but to shoot seven under, I had a lot of putts go in for me today, which is nice. I haven’t seen that happen in a long time, so it was great.”
One of those putts was a 15 foot par save on the par three eighth.
Meanwhile, Mexican Carlos Ortiz joins Americans Maverick McNealy, Martin Flores, Will Wilcox and Carlos Sainz Jr for a tie of third place on five under.
Latest
-
NewsRhys Enoch and Alice Hewson in contention in Gothenburg
Hewson could become the first ever female winner on the European Tour.
-
NewsTiger Woods misses US Open at Torrey Pines but 2008 memories dominate build-up
Woods is recovering at home from the serious leg injuries suffered in a car crash in Los Angeles in February.
-
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.