by Storms and consistent downpours interrupted the first round of the Genesis Open at Riviera, but they were able to get some play in on Thursday. A few dozen players played one or two holes in the morning, but the Tour actually wiped the slate clean and started over in the afternoon. It’s very early, but Jordan Spieth (thru 12) and Sung Kang (thru 14) currently lead at 5 under par. Genesis Open Leaderboard
To Be Continued…
There wasn’t much golf played on Sunday, but Jordan Spieth and Sung Kang have played the best of it to this point.
Spieth has been struggling to regain his prime form for the last 18 months, so finishing off this first round is crucial. He has been bogey-free on the soggy course so far and has already chipped in twice in twelve holes. Luckily, his remaining six holes are not the toughest stretch on the course, so solid play can keep him on top.
Sung Kang has been playing very consistent golf lately. He has three top twenties in his last four starts and is poised for his best season to date. Kang has an eagle and four birdies up until this point but faces a 10-footer for par in the morning to stay tied for the lead.
Other Leaderboard Notes
Jumbled – Since there has not been much golf played to this point, the leaderboard is very tight at the top. 33 players are under par so far, all within four shots of the lead. That number will get much larger tomorrow as the second half of the field has yet to play.
Restart – There weren’t many players that had started Thursday morning, but a few of them had played well in the rain. Patrick Rodgers and Robert Garrigus were both -2 in the rain and were able to continue their strong play after the restart. Rodgers is four-under through 13 while Garrigus is two-under through fifteen.
Mr. Top 10 – Tony Finau is currently three-under through 12 holes and sits in the 13th fairway. Finau’s consistency is a perfect match for the wet conditions of Riviera and makes him someone you need to keep your eye on tomorrow. If he keeps it together, he could capture the biggest win of his career this weekend.
“I feel the need…the need for speed”
Florida did not suffer the same weather delays as California, and there was some serious golf on the Web.com Tour. Maverick McNealy leads after a final-nine 29 for a first-round 64. McNealy made 10 birdies and just 2 bogies on his way to grabbing a 2-shot lead. He currently sits 2 shots ahead of Mike Weir, Jimmy Stanger and Steve Lebrun, with Ricky Barnes also in the top 5. LECOM Suncoast Classic Leaderboard
We also have to mention Ben DeArmond. Ben is a Florida PGA pro that earned a spot in the event via sponsor’s exemption and shot a first round of 91 (54-37). His opening nine 54 was highlighted by a 17 on his second hole of the day. DeArmond hit 6 tee-balls into the water, not good. After the brutal start to the day he managed to play his last 11 holes in just +1. He deserves serious kudos for gridining out one of the worst 9s he’s certainly ever had.
Down Unda’
A couple events are going on in Australia this weekend. On the European Tour, Kristoffer Reitan and Miguel Tabuena lead the way through one round of the ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth. Richard Mcevoy, SSP Chawrasia, and Ryan Fox all sit inside the top 10. Leaderboard
On the women’s side, Judi Ewart Shadoff and Wei-Ling Hsu lead after one round of the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open. The pair each fired opening rounds of 65 but are facing a ton of chasers on a very crowded leaderboard.
Andy Staples Gets Olympia Fields
It was announced on Thursday that Andy Staples will replace Keith Foster in the master plan development at Olympia Fields. Staples has been a part of many master plan designs in the past and has a passion for making golf fun. Staples also has a wealth of knowledge in Golden Age architecture, which played a key role in the club choosing him for the project. His presence and outlook on golf will be a welcome influence improving Chicago’s premier 36-hole facility. Read our full breakdown on the announcement HERE
Quick Hooks
Lucy Li has been pardoned by the USGA and will not lose her amateur status after appearing in an Apple commercial over the holiday season. Story by Sean Zak
Phil Mickelson says he may skip The PLAYERS…Story by Will Gray
Tiger announced on Wednesday that he will play the WGC Mexico Championship next week. It will be the first time he plays the event in Mexico City.
The Latest Podcasts and Articles
Shotgun Start: Kuchar speaks and makes it worse, Phil’s anti-Players stance, and Bubba’s acting career
We lead off the show marveling at the tredecuple bogey 17 made by Ben DeArmond on the Web Tour and commend him for his response to the implosion. Then we move to the Genesis Open, where we lament the decision to wipe out scores and also make it hard to watch in primetime. Andy delights in Phil Mickelson’s decision to lead the #resistance against The Players “First Major” campaign. Brendan applauds Adam Scott saying the the game is becoming a “laughingstock” from the new rules and dismisses Sergio’s hollow apology. Matt Kuchar’s quotes are given a review, and it’s not particularly kind on Mr. Kuchar or his agent’s ability to manage PR crises. Then we get to some fantastic lines from Bubba Watson, who says he’d quit golf to be an actor while also saying he’d be bad at it. We end with some amusing and memory-jogging flashback Fridays from L.A. Opens past. Listen on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify
