The world No. 1 is in the lead after the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando. The Spaniard got off to a good start this week returning a 65 (-7) card. Author of an eagle at 16, 6 birdies and a bogey, he is two strokes ahead of his pursuers: “I feel like I played a very good course, but it’s not easy. These fairways get firm and they are not easy to hit. I played really good golf today and took advantage of the three or four missed opportunities, missed fairways and greens. Except on the 8, which is what it is. But even though I didn’t make many birdies between the two (between 3 and 8) , it was a good round of golf. »The Teamadvertisement
He is followed in 2nd position at -5, by the winner of the Honda Classic last week, Chris Kirk. He made 7 birdies and 2 bogeys: “After winning the Honda last week, the 5.30 a.m. wake-up call came very early this morning. I’ve talked about it over the past few days, about the personal relationship I had with Mr. Palmer, and I’ve always loved this tournament. He was a big influence and someone I really looked up to. For that reason, and also because I’ve played quite well here over the years, it’s a really special week and one I’m looking forward to. »
He shares 2nd position with Cameron Young (an eagle, 5 birdies and 2 bogeys) and Kurt Kitayama (6 birdies and a bogey).
World No. 2 and defending champion Scottie Scheffler is one shot behind at -4 in 5th position. The American made 6 birdies and 2 bogeys: “I played quite solidly. I think I had a few putts that didn’t go in, but other than that I played really well. Two bogeys is a little frustrating, but it’s a pretty tough course and it doesn’t take much to get a bogey here. »The Teamadvertisement
He is accompanied by his compatriots Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, Rickie Fowler, Keegan Bradley and Briton Aaron Rai.
Beyond the top 10
At -3, the Belgian Thomas Detry is in 13th position ahead of the Briton Matt Fitzpatrick and the American Tony Finau. Norway’s Viktor Hovland, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama and South Korea’s Sungjae Im are 35th at -1 while Justin Thomas and Tom Kim are in par.
Above par, we find the world No. 3 Rory McIlroy at +1 like Will Zalatoris and Tommy Fleetwood. American Collin Morikawa is 82nd at +2.
Puerto Rico Open
At the end of the first round on Puerto Rican lands, the Frenchman Martin Trainer, winner of the tournament in 2019, is 28th at -2. He achieved a performance of 3 birdies and a bogey. The leader is the American Carson Young at -9, author of 3 eagles (2, 5, 15), 4 birdies and a bogey.
Source: L Equipe
