Kirk looking to end winless streak
Two-and-a-half years after his last PGA Tour win, Chris Kirk put himself firmly in contention to break that barren streak at the RSM Classic.
A nine-under round of 63 saw Kirk take a one-shot lead in Georgia, as the American looks to get back to the form which saw him reach 17 in the world.
The 32-year-old shot a 31 on the front nine in his bogey free round on the Plantation course, before sinking an 18-foot eagle putt on the last to move into the lead.
High fives for the leader. @Chris_Kirk_ pic.twitter.com/lW0gjjz37h
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) November 16, 2017
“It’s just nice to see them [putts] going in. That’s kind of been what I’ve struggled with the last year or so,” said Kirk.
“This was the first time in awhile where it doesn’t feel forced.
“I’m just kind of looking at it, lining it up and whack it. That’s where we all aspire to be, but it’s nice to have that feeling for a change.”
What a way to finish a round! @Chris_Kirk_ shoots a first-round 63 and takes the solo lead @TheRSMClassic.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/oe5dbCtd0f
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) November 16, 2017
Kirk has a slender one-shot advantage over second placed Joel Dahmen, who also produced an eye-catching round with a blemish-free 64.
The trio of Hudson Swafford, Brian Gay and Jason Kokrak are two off the lead, while on the Seaside course, Patton Kizzire was the top performer with a four-under 66.
Latest
-
NewsCollin Morikawa to reassess his goals after winning The Open at first attempt
The 24-year-old American has already won two majors.
-
NewsThe Open day four: Halfway to a career grand slam two years after turning pro
Collin Morikawa has added the Open to the US PGA, both of them won on tournament debut.
-
NewsCollin Morikawa eager to savour taste of success after debut Open triumph
The American became only the second person after Tiger Woods to win the Open and US PGA before the age of 25.
-
NewsCollin Morikawa admits magnitude of historic Open victory is ‘hard to take in’
The 24-year-old is the first player to win two different majors at their first attempt.
-
NewsThe Open day four: Collin Morikawa holds off the challenge of Jordan Spieth
The American held his nerve to create history in the 149th Open at a sun-drenched Royal St George’s.
-
NewsJordan Spieth rues a couple of ‘dumb mistakes’ which cost him a shot at title
The 2017 Open champion finished runner-up to Collin Morikawa.
-
News5 things you may not know about Open winner Collin Morikawa
The American came close to equalling one of Tiger Woods’ records.
-
NewsAmerican Collin Morikawa seals thrilling two-shot victory on Open debut
The 2020 US PGA champion held his nerve superbly on the closing stretch to become the first player to win two different majors at their first attempt.
-
NewsRory McIlroy hopes Olympics will get his game back in shape amid Covid-19 fears
The Northern Irishman is not looking forward to his trip to Japan because of stringent protocols enforced to fight the spread of the virus.
-
NewsCollin Morikawa storms into three-shot lead as Louis Oosthuizen loses ground
Three straight birdies from the seventh put the American in the driving seat.