It took a score of 11-under par for Bubba Watson to win the HSBC Champions event last year.
South Africa’s Branden Grace nearly got there in one round on Thursday at Sheshan International Golf Club.
Grace absolutely lit it up with birdies on half the holes he played, nine, and the result was an immaculate 63 that gave him the first round lead.
It was a day meant for scoring with soft, receptive greens, very reachable par fives and no wind.
As good as he played, Grace was only a shot in front of Thorbjorn Olesen, Kevin Kisner and Steve Bowditch.
Danny Willett, Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed turned in 65s.
The number two, three and four in the world — Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Bubba Watson headed a group of 15 players at four-under par 68. McIlroy played well despite the fact he was sidelined since Monday with a dose of food poisoning.
Grace was the man who stood out in the star-studded field and has a lot of motivation. He’s sixth overall in the Race To Dubai and he’s looking to move closer to leader McIlroy.
“I know one good week can change everything,” he said.
Grace also acknowledged his game was clicking on all cylinders during the first round. He hit 17 of 18 greens. “It was a fun day. The ball striking was probably the best it’s been in a long time.”
Grace put his face in the world spotlight at last summer’s U.S. Open when he battled head-to-head with eventual winner Jordan Spieth.
