The American Robert Streb, 74th in the world, had the best start in the CJ Cup, where he leads in front of his compatriot Keith Mitchell, Thursday after the first round played in Las Vegas.
Streb, in search of a third title on the PGA Tour, notably managed an eagle at 3 which, in addition to ten birdies (a bogey conceded), allowed him to finish with a card of 61, or ten strokes under the by. Even better: Robert Streb tied the lowest score on five consecutive holes (4 birdies and an eagle).
61
This score returned by Robert Streb in the first round is his best career card on the PGA Tour.
Streb is one step ahead of Mitchell (135th planetary) who also had ten birdies and equal his best career card.
We find another American in third place, Harry Higgs, who finished the first day with a card of 64 (-8). Hudson Swafford, Sergio Garcia and Viktor Hovland follow in fourth place a stroke further.
The cadors so close, so far
Among the favorites, the Japanese Hideki Matsuyama, winner of the last Augusta Masters in April, is in ambush in 7th place, five strokes behind the leader, as are Ian Poulter, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Cameron Smith.
American Collin Morikawa (3rd in the world), winner of the British Open in July, ranks 15th alongside Brooks Koepka or Tyrrell Hatton. South Korean Sung-Jae lm, winner of the Shriners Children’s Open last week, comes in 26th after a 68 (-4). Identical score for Rory McIlroy, Tony Finau, Adam Scott, Tommy Fleetwood or Paul Casey.
Finally, note the very poor start of world No. 2 Dustin Johnson, who finished two shots above par and is in the depths of the standings (73rd). This small-field tournament has only 78 participants, and Paul Barjon, the only Frenchman to have a full PGA Tour card, is not at the start this week.
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