Spencer Levin takes charge at Arnold Palmer Invitational, PGA Tour
The first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational teed off on Thursday at the challenging par-72, Bay Hill golf club in Florida.
Spencer Levin leads the tournament by a margin three strokes, at the end of round one. The 26-year-old leads in a field against players like Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.
Levin, who lost his title opportunity at Mayaboka Golf Classic in a playoff, captured the limelight of the day. He carded a fantastic round of six-under par, 66 and was unstoppable, with his score card showing six birdies.
With the conditions a bit windy, Levin’s swing was in complete momentum. He is hoping to continue his birdie streak over the next three days so he can mark his maiden victory on the PGA Tour.
Levin after posting his name on the leader board said, “Six under, I didn't really even think about that on the range. Because I know the course is hard, anyway, and then you 20, 30 mile per hour wind and makes it even tougher. I was just kind of hoping
anything around par, maybe anything under par, would be a good score in the afternoon for sure.”
Youngster Rickie Fowler and Hunter Mahan share the second spot and have a score of three-under par, 69 after finishing the first day. They have a deficit of three strokes over the leader.
Fowler who is just 22 years old is a long hitter off the tees; his score card was a bit impressive for the back nine.
Mahan made an eagle, four birdies and three bogeys for the day. The only eagle came on the par-5, 16th where his perfect approach shot landed within a couple of feet off the hole. He is just three strokes behind the leader and it was his putting
that let him down.
Eleven players share the fourth spot. They all had a score of two-under par, 70 and trail by a good margin of four strokes over the leader.
Phil Mickelson, who was among the players tied at fourth spot, had a steady round of two-under par, 70. Mickelson made three birdies and a lone bogey. His touch near the greens was missing and is vying for top honours on the second day.
Woods who is playing on one of his favourite courses posted a moderate round of one-over par, 73. The former World no.1 has won this trophy two times previously and was looking confident with his swing. He missed a couple of putts for birdies, but is confident
of bouncing back on the second day.
As for the defending champion Ernie Els, he was looking out of shape. Els carded a disastrous round of three over par. His card showed a couple of bogeys and birdies.
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