Walker two ahead in Hawaii
Jimmy Walker has a two-stroke lead after the opening round of the SBS Tournament of Champions on Thursday.
The American carded a sizzling eight-under-par 65 around the Kapalua Resort Plantation Course for a two-shot lead over fellow countryman Ryan Moore, Justin Thomas and Jim Herman.
Walker was off to a flying start and thanks to an eagle three on the par-five fifth, he would be five under through six holes.
Three birdies in his closing five holes saw the PGA Championship winner sign for a flawless card. Walker revealed that he had cut his driver shaft short by a few inches to improve his accuracy, and it worked, as he hit 11 out of 15 fairways.
"I just feel like I've got more control," said Walker after the round.
"I feel like the golf swing is better at that length for me, and that's where I've always struggled, the longer the club got. So that's the thinking. More fairways is what I'm looking for."
Further down the star-studded field is US Open winner Dustin Johnson and Hideki Matsuyama – who is incidentally looking for his fourth consecutive win – on four under par.
World number one Jason Day was content with his three under 70, blaming his form on the greens for missed opportunities.
"It was actually all right," said the Australian.
"Just didn't putt that great. I had two 3-putts, and that was pretty much it. I'd like to obviously tighten it up over the next few days with regards to proximity, but after having three months, I think 3-under is pretty good."
Latest
-
NewsLocal knowledge helps Robin Roussel claim a share of the Alfred Dunhill lead
Scotland’s Scott Jamieson lies a shot behind following a 66.
-
NewsPaul Casey a surprise entrant for 2021 Saudi International
Casey opted out of the inaugural event in 2019, citing concerns over the country’s human rights record.
-
NewsJoy, relief as golf courses in England given green light to reopen from December 2
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the good news on Monday.
-
NewsJoachim B Hansen makes up for Italian Open disappointment with Joburg victory
The Dane withdrew from the final round in Italy after his caddie tested positive for Covid-19.
-
NewsJoachim B Hansen launches late fightback to win Joburg Open
Hansen trailed by three shots with nine holes to play but won by two strokes.
-
NewsMatt Wallace shrugs off loss of caddie to Covid-19 to grab share of RSM Classic lead
Wallace’s regular caddie, Dave McNeilly, tested positive for Covid but a local caddie was ready to step in.
-
NewsWilco Nienaber admits ‘it’s great to be home’ after strong first round
The South African fired an eagle, eight birdies and two bogeys in an opening eight-under-par 63.
-
NewsFrom The Horse’s Mouth Podcast: Shane Lowry on Masters experience, playing with Tiger
Open champion Shane Lowry spills the beans on his Masters experience and playing three rounds with Tiger Woods.
-
NewsPetition to exempt golf from lockdown set for Parliamentary debate next week
The document has received more than 257,000 signatures.
-
NewsThe Most Memorable Hole-in-ones in History
Statisticians pitch the probability for a golf pro making a hole-in-one at around 1 in 2,500.