The new PGA Tour season kicked off on Thursday morning before being quickly put to a halt as heavy fog rolled into the area. The players would eventually get back on the course 90 minutes later and it turned into a great day in wine country.
Byeong-Hun An was the story of the morning wave as he made his return to the TOUR after grinding his way back from the Korn Ferry Tour last season. He birdied his first three holes and would add a few more to be the first in the clubhouse at 6-under after the opening round. Another Korean, S.H. Kim would join him at that number not long after An finished his day. They would both be passed in the afternoon though as Justin Lower put together a flawless round of 9-under 63 to take the overnight lead. Lower would be chased further into the evening by defending champion Max Homa, who finished his day at 7-under.
Rickie Fowler headlines the group at 5-under as he came out sharp in his first round of the new year. He was matched by Sahith Theegala, who kept his great play from last season rolling into Thursday and looks to be in the mix once again this week.
This is a course that produces some low scores, but no one separated themselves Thursday. The morning wave saw an advantage — which is typical on the poa annua mix greens — and they are in line for a similar edge Friday. I’ll be playing toward that and seeking betting value as I look for buys heading into Round 2.