Haas edges Fowler for Phoenix lead

A lightning-quick start to his round saw Bill Haas take a two-shot lead after the opening day of the Phoenix Open.
Haas sank three birdies and an eagle over his opening seven holes at the TPC Scottsdale Course, before eventually finishing on seven under par with a bogey free 64.
That saw the 35-year-old forge a healthy lead at the top of the leaderboard from a cluster of five fellow American players, including former US Open runner-up Rickie Fowler.
Round 1 @WMPhoenixOpen
1. Bill Haas -7
2. @RickieFowler -5
2. @BillyHo_Golf -5
2. @Chris_Kirk_ -5
2. @b_dechambeau -5
2. @chessonhadley -5 pic.twitter.com/ZhSIpf7mOI— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 2, 2018
"I've been struggling, so just kind of practicing, working hard and trying to figure something out," Haas said.
"The putter was hot the first nine holes. Got lucky, I kind of hit a bad putt on two, but it hit the back of the cup and went in.
"So one of those days where they went in for me so hopefully it will be one of those weeks."
Despite a late tee time, Haas produced his best round since August, with his most notable moment coming with a 20-foot putt to make an eagle on the 15th.
Class act, @RickieFowler.
Fowler honored 7-year-old Griffin Connell by wearing a pin on his hat Thursday. Griffin passed away recently after battling a rare airway disorder.
Rickie called Griffin his No. 1 fan. pic.twitter.com/CsJEmweWEQ
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 2, 2018
Fowler also eagled the 15th, along with four birdies and just a solitary bogey on the 16th.
World number two Jon Rahm is a shot adrift of Fowler at four under, while two-time defending champion Hideki Matsuyama trails Haas by five shots.
Latest
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.
-
News
Tiger Woods focusing on return to PGA Tour after undergoing fifth back operation
The 45-year-old will miss the Farmers Insurance Open and the Genesis Invitational.
-
News
Lee Westwood resumes bid for record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup appearance
The 47-year-old occupied one of the automatic places in the team before the golf was stopped due to Covid-19.
-
News
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew turns to Golfer’s CBD in pursuit of further success
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew believes Golfer’s CBD could play a vital role in her future success.
-
News
Sponsor Ralph Lauren drops Justin Thomas following homophobic slur in Hawaii
The world number three uttered the derogatory word towards himself after missing a putt at Kapalua last weekend.
-
News
Bryson DeChambeau keeping brain relaxed to avoid repeat of Masters misery
DeChambeau said his brain went into overdrive at Augusta National.