There are good habits that cannot be lost. Kevin Na has his on the Waialae Country Club course. The title holder of this Sony Open ideally started the defense of his title by accumulating seven birdies and an eagle without the slightest error. Na even scored eight under the par after 12 holes.
« I played in an incredible way, he confessed to the recording. I did everything right today and my iron game was amazing. I had awesome distance control throughout that first lap. I gave myself a chance to sign this legendary score of 59. I gave everything to achieve it. I’m just a little disappointed that a few putts that I thought were very good didn’t fall. Overall it’s still a very good first round. »
Furyk en furie
Kevin Na aims to become the first player since Jimmy Walker (2014-2015) to win the Sony Open two years in a row. His 61 (-9) of the day allows him to suddenly beat a duo made up of his American compatriots Russel Henley and Jim Furyk.
11
Kevin Na is the player who has signed the most cards of 62 or less on the PGA Tour since 1983. He has 11, even ahead of Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas by two units!
Long at the head of the tournament, the latter signed seven birdies and a hole in one at 17 (par 3) with a 6 iron stroke, against a single burr in his first hole of the day.
« I was not sure I had chosen the right club, Furyk was explaining about that magical 6 iron hit to the 17. More Fluff (Mike Cowan, son caddie) assured me it was the right choice. I didn’t necessarily hit the best shot of my life, but the ball flew a few yards off the green, ideally landed on the green, and rolled quietly to the hole. »
Furyk, who now plays mainly on the Champions Tour (senior circuit), hadn’t managed a hole in one in competition since the WGC Bridgestone Invitational in 2011. ” Just because I’m about to turn 52 doesn’t mean I’m here to have a good time at the beach, joked the ex Ryder Cup captain. I want to play well! »
Paul Barjon well launched
Good start to the tournament for Paul Barjon who finds his way back to the fairways after a long break. The only French holder of a full card on the PGA Tour this season starts his year 2022 with a solid 66 (-4). With five birdies against a single bogey (on the 18th, his 9th hole of the day), the New Caledonian offers himself a provisional 24th place.
Rather very skilful with irons in hand, he found 15 greens in regulation, a little more than half of the fairways. Only a putting less good than the field average in this first round prevents him from appearing higher in the standings.
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