Kapalua, US: Russell Henley had eight birdies in an eight-under 65 yesterday to grab a narrow lead over early pace-setter Bae Sang-Moon at the first round of the US PGA Tour Tournament of Champions.
Henley birdied five of the first seven holes on the par-73 Kapalua Plantation Course, and gained sole possession of the lead with a birdie at the last.
The birdie gave him a one-shot lead over Bae.
Today was good,” said Henley, whose birdies included a 20-footer at the 12th.
“It’s not every day you’re going to hit the putts right where you want to and read them correctly, but I did today.”
Henley won The Honda Classic last season to earn his spot in the winners-only field.
The tournament is the first of 2015, as the 2014-15 campaign resumes after a December break.
Henley, 25, played the tournament last year after winning the 2013 Sony Open in Hawaii. He failed to break 70 en route to a 27th-place finish but is feeling much more comfortable this time around.
South Korea’s Bae also mastered the big, grainy greens at Kapalua.
Jimmy Walker, a three-time winner last season, carded a six-under 67 and shared third place with Patrick Reed, Scott Stallings, Ben Martin and Robert Streb.
Defending champion Zach Johnson opened with a five-under par 68. He shared eighth place with world number 11 Matt Kuchar, Australian John Senden and Chris Kirk.
It was a further stroke back to a group of six on 69: Canadian Nick Taylor, Australians Steven Bowditch and Matt Jones, Kevin Streelman, JB Holmes, and Brendon Todd.
Reigning Masters champion Bubba Watson headed a group of seven players on three-under 70 that also included Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama and Australian Jason Day.AFP
