Paul Casey leads after first round in Transitions Championship, PGA Tour
The first round of the Transitions Championship came to a conclusion yesterday at the par-71, Salamander Golf and Spa Resort in Florida. It was the Englishman, Paul Casey who charged his way to the top of the leader board to become the frontrunner after
the first day.
Casey looked thoroughly confident with his crisp iron shots and smooth putting strokes. He was flawless with his game throughout the day and looked in exquisite touch. The Englishman had a first round score of seven-under par, 64 and had no blemish on his
score card.
The 33-year old had a great start to his first nine holes and carded four birdies. The four birdies were followed up by three birdies on the back nine; he completed his first round with an impressive seven-under par. Casey was hitting the ball accurately
off the tee and his approach shots were commendable.
The European Tour member was overwhelmed with the way he was hitting the ball and stroking it on the greens. His putting stats were superb as he only made 28 putts through the 18 holes.
The Englishman is currently holding the number seventh spot in the official golf world rankings and is hoping to improve further. He is eyeing next month’s Masters and is confident of continuing his form throughout the next three rounds to lift the Championship
trophy.
Casey after completing his round said, "The state of my game is going in the right direction.”
Last week’s WGC-Cadillac Championship winner Nick Watney again showed his class and ability on the first day carding a round of five-under par, 67. He is tied for the second spot with Garret Willis, Scottish Martin Laird and Scott Stallings. They all have
the same score of five-under par and trail the leader by a margin of two strokes.
Watney started off with a classic manner carding three consecutive birdies in his first three holes. He also made two bogeys for his round and further made four birdies on the back nine. The only two drop shots came on the two par-3’s, where he completely
missed the green. Watney was satisfied with his performance and was confident of improving further in the next three rounds.
Ten players were tied for the sixth spot at a score of four-under par, 67. Rory Sabbatini who recently won the Honda Classic also carded a round of 67 and is tied among the ten players. The list also includes the defending champion Jim Furyk.
There was a large gallery around the flight of world number one Martin Kaymer, Bubba Watson and Nick Watney. Kaymer had a rather steady first round of three-under par, 68 and is tied for the sixteenth spot. He had an eagle, three birdies and two bogeys on
his card.
Sergio Garcia of Spain who is making a comeback to the PGA Tour after a break of seven months carded a moderate round of three-under par, 68. Garcia missed a few birdies putts, but was a bit satisfied by his under-par round as he had no bogeys. Along with
him, the youngest player among the contenders, Matteo Manassero also had the same score of three-under par.
The second day of the championship will commence today and much is expected from the top players.
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