Meanwhile, on the other side of the world……..
Justin Thomas was back at his Malaysian domain, the spot he loves in Kuala Lumpur but everyone’s PGA champion was off to a slow start Wednesday night/Thursday morning the CIMB.
Three bogeys in his first round left Thomas on the wrong side of the 60s but his opening 70 didn’t hurt that bad. Same for the other highly-ranked player in the field — Hideki Matsuyama. Two under for Hideki-san as well.
The man who really had it going in the FedEx Cup playoffs is still hot as a smokin’ pistol. The X-Man’s prowess is still in full bloom. Xander Schauffele shot 65, leaving him just a shot off the opening round pace set by Cameron Smith at the TPC Kuala Lumpur. The PGA Tour Rookie Of The Year said he’s following the game plan of two-time winner Thomas.
Schauffele said he was taking plenty of notice of how Thomas approaches the course and is trying to keep things simple.
“The rough has been up apparently compared to last year, that’s what Justin told me,” he said. “I pretty much tried to copy everything that he did because I figured he’s a good guy to imitate out here.”
Kevin Na has a liking for Kuala Lumpur and it showed in his opening 66. Same for Gary Woodland.
Brendan Steele’s “A” game was on display last week at the Safeway and he’s still got it going, shot 67.
Now here’s an interesting surprise — AARP member Davis Love III is right in the hunt after he shot 67.
