The world’s No. 3 was too young, too strong and too talented for the LaQuinta Country Club on Thursday at the CareerBuilder.
Jon Rahm vs. LaQuinta was a total mismatch.
He went low, quite low, finishing his opening day’s work with a 10-under par 62 that probably could have been lower.
“It’s all thanks to the start I had,” Rahm was quick to point out. “Six under after seven holes. Just kept it going and stayed patient.”
The 59 watch was on but Rahm admitted he might have relaxed too much over his final nine holes on the easiest course of the three that is used for this week’s PGA Tour event.
“I was excited,” Rahm said at the prospect of 59. “Maybe I relaxed a little too much. The course is very similar to Phoenix County Club Which I used to play (in college).”
Rahm set the pace at LaQuinta while Austin Cook was the low man at the Nicklaus Tournament course with 63. On the Stadium Course, the most difficult of the three, Nick Watney put in the day’s best round with a seven-under par 65.
But over at LaQuinta, it was time to go low. “If you hit good shots, you’re going to make birdies,” Rahm pointed out.
Other big names didn’t fare as well at LaQuinta. Phil Mickelson, who keeps telling everyone he’s close, could only manage a 70. Same for Bubba Watson, who’s trying to rebound from a sloppy season in 2017.
Jimmy Walker had a decent day at LaQuinta with a 68, Jason Dufner shot 69.
Over on the Stadium Course, Patrick Reed struggled mightily and finished two-over with a 75.
