Golf Update: PGA Grand Slam- Non-major winner takes the early lead at Bermuda
Predictions go wrong; David Toms leads the first round of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf on Tuesday at Bermuda.
Bettors were thinking, the German, Martin Kaymer will surge into lead right from the starters, but that did not happen. In fact, the American David Toms notched the early lead before carding two bogeys on his scorecard. He finished with a score of 4-under
67 at Port Royal Golf Course with an edge of one-shot over the South African Ernie Els.
The event has a trivial difference with other tournaments and that is of the number of players and number of holes. PGA Grand Slam is laid on a 36-hole event with four players in the field. These four golfers are winners from the majors of the current season.
However, this time there has been a slight change of plans. Phil Mickelson, the winner of the Masters took a withdrawal because of the health issues and Louis Oosthuizen pulled out, owing to the foot injury, which he got while he was exploring his adventure
side in South Africa. In order to fill the missing spots, PGA tour officials contacted Toms and Els, which they accepted happily.
Toms leaded the first day, with Els chasing. On the other hand, the US open champ and the Ryder Cup hero, Graeme McDowell hardly reached the par, whereas, USPGA champion, Martin Kaymer carded a terrible two-over-par.
Bettors wonder what happened to Kaymer, despite his flawless form with three victories in the season. It could not be fatigue, as Kaymer was found steady running on the course and it could not be the course as Port Royal Golf Course is similar to any other
link style course. Then what was it?
When this question was asked from the player, he replied,”I didn't play the best golf today, but I was standing on 16 and trying to enjoy the moment. For me, I'm only five years a golf professional. I just thought about, 'It's quite stunning to be here
already that early in my career.' It was one of those moments where you realize you're a winner. It takes some time to realize. It's not normal what I've done the last few years, especially this year."
Kaymer is right; with the number one title in the pipe line, who won’t be nervous and stunned. The German won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship last week after the Ryder Cup and he is already eyeing the number on title on the Official World Golf Rankings.
If Kaymer wins the Andalucía Masters, which is coming next week, he will automatically replace Tiger Woods.
As for the leader of the leader board, winner of the PGA Championship 2001 was 5 -under –par after the first 10 holes, but he missed two shots on his way to the closing holes. The South African faced trouble with his putting, but despite he managed to secure
few birdies. The former world number one told the press, “It feels like I left a lot of shots out there, especially on the front nine, I think I'm in a good position. Hopefully, I can play a little better tomorrow."
On the other hand, the winner at Pebbles Beach drafted a triple bogey six on the 11th, but managed to finish with par after firing birdies on the closing holes.
This is it for the first round of the PGA grand slam, which is taking place at Port Royal Golf Course. Two more rounds are left for the champion of the champions to surge up. David Toms is currently leading the first day leader board, with Ernie Els, Graeme
Mc Dowell and Martin Kaymer trailing behind. Who will win the title and who will dismiss Tiger Woods is a question that needs to be answered, but for that the golf lovers have to wait till the coming Thursday.
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