KJ Choi leads Heritage, England's Owen in pursuit
KJ Choi led by two strokes after the first round of the Verizon Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head yesterday.
The Korean enjoyed a fine Masters campaign last week, tying with Tiger Woods in fourth place, who he played alongside at Augusta. But any suggestions that such a performance would have left the 39-year-old less focused on this tournament were swiftly cast into doubt yesterday, as the man known as "Tank" in his homeland came home seven-under-64, carding eight birdies and a bogey.
"I've been playing good and I guess I wanted to keep the rhythm going," Choi said afterwards. "Now that I'm here and I see the reactions of the gallery, the sponsors, I feel a lot of support here."
England's Greg Owen lay just two strokes behind, producing seven birdies and a couple of bogeys to tie for second place with Canada's Mike Weir; 2003 Masters champion Weir hit four birdies and a bogey, as well as an eagle on the 1st to stay level with Owen.
Spain's Sergio Garcia was amongst several players tied for fourth place on four-under, the Spaniard vying with Jim Furyk, Davis Love III, who is a five-time winner here, and South Africa's Tim Clark.
Rickie Fowler was a shot behind on three-under, the 21-year-old carding two birdies and an eagle on the 17th. England's Brian Davis was level with the Californian, while Luke Donald was a shot behind.
Paul Casey, who missed the cut at the Masters, didn't appear to be in better form yesterday, the Englishman finishing four- over-par after shipping five bogeys and a double bogey on the 14th.
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