No one has talked much about Charles Howell III on the PGA Tour.
Until yesterday at Sea Island.
Howell, who hasn’t won on the PGA Tour in more than a decade, lit it up on the Plantation Course with an eight-under par 64.
Howell joined the PGA Tour 16 years ago and won that year (2002). He got his second win five years later but has mostly been a journeyman on the tour ever since.
Howell put eight birdies on his card in the first round and was two shots better than defending champion Austin Cook and J.J. Spaun.
Davis Love III brought a huge buzz to the first round as the event’s unofficial host fired a five-under par 67 that put him in a lofty tie for fourth at age 54.
Cameron Champ, winner at Sanderson Farms last month, inserted himself into contention once again. He shot a four-under par 68 despite making double-bogey on his opening hole.
