Blaine [US], July 28 (ANI): Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama, a Masters Champion, tied his low rating of the season with an excellent 7-under 64 for tied second place behind chief Lee Hodges of the U.S. after the primary spherical of the 3M Open on Thursday.
The 31-year-old, who collectively holds the report for many wins by an Asian participant on the PGA Tour with eight titles, took benefit of some fantastic ball hanging at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota by firing seven birdies for a bogey-free card.
Chinese Taipei’s C.T. Pan carded a 68 as he chases a spot within the FedExCup Playoffs subsequent month with two Regular Season occasions remaining whereas compatriot Kevin Yu and Korea’s Sungjae Im returned matching 70s.
Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, is trying to hit prime type with the season quick approaching its climax to increase his streak of qualifying for the TOUR Championship, the Playoffs Finale, in every of the final 10 seasons, which is the longest lively streak on TOUR.
Presently ranked 54th within the FedExCup factors checklist, he loved an excellent day within the workplace by rating first in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green, lacking just one inexperienced in regulation.
While his seven birdies have been all from inside 15 toes, he might have challenged Hodges’ lead if the putter was as sizzling as day which hit a excessive of 35C. Matsuyama misplaced strokes (-0.869) to the sphere within the Strokes Gained: Putting, rating 69th after the primary spherical.
Hodges completed one stroke shy of his lowest spherical on Tour (62/R1/2022 American Express) as he grabbed his second profession first-round lead/co-lead. He entered the week at No. 74 within the FedExCup standings, 15 factors behind No. 70 (Ok.H. Lee). The Top 70 after subsequent week’s Wyndham Championship advance to the Playoffs.
Defending champion Tony Finau, who at No. 10 is the highest-ranked participant within the FedExCup standings within the area this week, was 6-under via six holes earlier than a 1-over inward 9 led to a 5-under 66 for T9, two off the lead. Justin Thomas carded a 69 the place he’s searching for an excellent end to safe his Playoff place after coming into the week at No. 75 within the FedExCup standings. (ANI)