by The first round of the Sony Open is in the books and Canadian rookie Adam Svensson holds a one-shot lead. The rest of the top 10 is peppered with international flair as we have players from all over the globe in the mix this week. Leaderboard
Svenny
Adam Svensson is a certified baller. We highlighted him as one of the rookies to watch this year, and he has shown up in fine form in 2019. Svensson left college early to turn professional and has spent three years playing solid golf on the Web.com before earning his card in 2018. He can make a ton of birdies when he gets hot, as seen on Thursday. His first round featured 7 birdies and an eagle, as well as an unbelievable par save on 16 after a near shank off the tee. He was in the top three in both strokes gained approach and putting on Thursday, a recipe for success.
Puttin’ um to sleep
One shot back of Svensson is Adam Putnam. The 29-year-old led the field in strokes gained putting on Thursday with more than 170 feet of putts made. Normally, leading in SG putting without having much else going is not a sign of long-term success, but Putnam is one of the best putters on tour. He already has two top-15 finishes this season and is on a good path to earn his third.
Kuuuuuch
As you may know from all of the Hawaiian Islands commercials, Matt Kuchar is a big fan of the Hawaiian events. His family was in attendance as he fired a bogey-free 63, and he now finds himself just two shots back. Kuch broke a long-time win drought in Mayakoba a couple months ago and finds himself in contention yet again.
Other Leaderboard Notes
Pour some Shugo on me – Recent Masters invitee Shugo Imahira finds himself four shots back after a first-round 65. Shugo is currently leading the Japan Tour money list and is ranked 53rd in the world.
SSS – Spieth still stinks? Jordan opened with a 73(+3) on Thursday and finds himself seriously battling for the cutline. He struggled in almost every facet, particularly on the putting green where he lost three shots to the field. Spieth had a rocky 2018 and even said that he did not play much this offseason. He will look to turn things around this afternoon.
Fresh blood – The top 10 is littered with some new names. 42-year-old rookie José de Jesús Rodríguez is in a tie for 7th after a 66, he was the feature of an Alan Shipnuck profile that is well worth your time this week. Joining Rodriguez are fellow rookies Jim Knous and Cameron Smith at -4.
Shotgun Start
After a WiFi emergency challenges Andy’s sanity, a Friday edition does miraculously make it to the light of day. Brendan and Andy immediately go on a lengthy digression about the OWGR committee reviewing whether the new staggered start Tour Championship should be eligible for world ranking points. That digression then leads to another about the WGCs following Adam Scott’s comments that he might skip them all, which then leads to more on the conspiracy about The Players trying become the “First Major.” On the Sony, they discuss some questionable grandstand placement, the new 18th green, Shugo’s big day, and Spieth’s poor day. They finish with a Flashback Friday that Andy uses as an excuse to argue yet another case for his favorite player, while Brendan recalls one of the all-time awkward interviews in PGA Tour history. Listen on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify.
The Fried Egg Podcast: Roberto Castro
PGA Tour player Roberto Castro joins The Fried Egg podcast for part 2. He and Andy talk about how he builds his schedule, golf design trends, pace of play on the PGA Tour and much more. Listen on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify.
Quick Hooks
Apparently the PGA Tour and Steph Curry may host a tournament together, just not in 2019. Story
The Tom Doak-led renovation of Memorial Park is a go. Story.
Jason Dufner is five shots off the lead at the Sony and is also now officially “The Dude”. Story
