Children's Miracle Network Classic R1; Stroud’s lead and Fowler’s stop at number 3
Chris Stroud fired a round of 62 on the first day of Children's Miracle Network Classic at Magnolia and Palm Golf Courses making Rickie Fowler uncomfortable.
The actual purpose of bringing the last tournament of the PGA tour to Walt Disney resorts was to give a fairy-tale ending to the season.
Fowler smashed a round of eight birdies, but dropped two shots to surge into temporary lead. However, Stroud did not like the picture of the leader board and quickly interrupted the scenario with the help of ten birdies in presence of thick fog. Stroud by
passed Fowler with four strokes and settled with a score of 10-under-par on a course, which is known for birdie fiesta.
He was chased by his compatriot Roland Thatcher, who too could not help ruining Fowler’s day. The 33-year-old drafted five birdies, one eagle and single bogey on 7010-yard course. Behind him was a group of five players in which Fowler was residing.
Despite of facing a tough competition, Fowler was pleased with his performance. He told this to the press, who wanted to know the secret behind the sudden change after the HSBC Championship. Folwer performed terrible at Sheshan International Golf Club in
Shanghai and was nowhere to be seen in the top spot of the leader board in the four-day event.
Fowler has been on his feet ever since he took a plane to Celtic Manor. From there he went to Las Vegas and then to Asia. The rookie was so tired in the practice session that he hardly stayed on the course and made his way back to the club for rest.
Commenting on the issue Fowler said, “It’s been more power naps at night. I don't think I've slept more than four hours straight. When you're flying that much, it definitely feels like I hadn't touched the club for a week."
The player had a terrible experience last year at the same venue, when he surged into the lead in the opening rounds, but slipped into the third place by the end. Fowler does not want the history to repeat itself although, he has a fair idea that there are
possibilities. Observing Fowler’s form, a certain trend comes into view; he had several runner-up finishes, but did not record a single victory.
Fowler came to Disney to add the title of a winner in his belt. Moreover, he is one stroke behind Troy Merritt and Aaron Baddeley in the Kodak Challenge. The contest allocates a hole in 30 tournaments and keeps score throughout the year. The lowest score
holder wins the bonus of $1 million prize.
On the other hand, the clubhouse leader was not surprised with his achievement. In fact he was found saying that it was a matter of luck that he shot the lowest score.
Stroud said, “No matter what golf course we play, no matter how hard they set it up, no matter how hard the conditions, somebody always shoots 62, 63 or 64.It just happens to be me this week."
As per the first round Stroud was 119th on the money list; Thatcher 179th.
Walt Disney Resort is the final tour stop of the season, which means that it is the final call for the players to secure their tour card of 2011. Top 125 get the privilege to play on the PGA tour, whereas, players who will end between 126-150 enjoy conditional
status.
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