Boston, September 05: Americans Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker both shot eight-under 63s to share the lead after the opening round of the $7.5 million PGA Deutsche Bank Championship on Friday.
Furyk and Stricker each finished without a bogey to share a two-stroke lead over South Africa’s Retief Goosen, Angel Cabrera of Argentina, Justin Leonard, Scott Verplank and Matt Kuchar.
Tiger Woods continued to struggle with his putting as he shot a one-under 70 on a day when 64 of the 99-man field broke par.
“I didn’t really do much of anything positively today. I didn’t feel good over any shot today and didn’t drive it very good, hit my irons worse and didn’t make any putts,” Woods said.
Furyk hit all 18 greens in regulation and registered his best round in a year. He moved into a tie with Stricker by rolling in a three-foot birdie putt at the 18th hole.
“I’d much rather shot 61 and missed a couple (greens),” Furyk said.
Stricker birdied five consecutive holes around the turn and then cooled off with five straight pars to grab the early clubhouse lead. He began his round on the 10th hole.
He ranks second behind Woods in the FedEx Cup standings. Stricker won the first-ever PGA Tour playoff event in two years ago.
“I feel comfortable with my game the last three years since these playoffs have started. I’m sure that has a lot to do with it,” said Stricker. “I’m riding it out. It’s been good, and I just wake up and try to do the same things every day.”
Woods would like to put a halt to a string of slow starts.
On Friday, Woods’ start meant a troublesome seven-stroke deficit to a pair of co-leaders.
“I’ve felt pretty good going into today,” said Woods. “Unfortunately I just didn’t hit the ball as well as I wanted to and certainly didn’t make anything.”
—Agencies