Transitions Championship: Will Claxton fires seven-under par 64 to take second spot – Golf News
The United States’ Will Claxton fired a bogey-free seven-under par 64 in the opening round of the Transitions Championship to take the second spot on the leaderboard, at the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Florida.
Transitions Championship was the only tournament that Claxton played on the 2011 PGA Tour and tied for the 67th position.
However, his start to this year’s edition was remarkable. He carded a total of five birdies and an eagle to finish three strokes off the leader, Padraig Harrington.
Harrington scored a sensational 10-under par to break the course record by one shot to take the lead on Thursday.
Claxton, who earned his PGA Tour card for the 2012 PGA Tour season, has played a total of six events prior to entering the field of Transitions.
Among all his appearances in 2012 so far, he had been unimpressive and succeeded in making only three cuts.
However, Claxton gives credit to his experience at the Copperhead Course that he earned last year for his impressive performance in the opening round of the Transitions.
"There's no doubt that there's a comfort level here for me," said Claxton, an Auburn grad and a native of Swainsboro, Ga.
He continued, "I hit the ball well here last year. This year, I know what to expect. I don't have to spend six hours out on the course on a Tuesday to get prepared. I already know what to expect".
Claxton is currently standing two strokes ahead of seven players, who tied for the third place after scoring five-under par 66.
The former number one, Luke Donald, who is looking forward to returning to his form prior to the Masters Tournament in April, scored a four-under par to tie for the 10th position.
Donald has not been able to impress his fans in the 2012 golf season. He lost his top position in the Official World Golf Rankings as well.
However, he now has a chance to regain his top position with top-three finishes in the month of March, as the current world number one, Rory McIlroy, has taken three weeks off prior to the Masters.
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