Monday, January 7, 2013

2013 Hyundai Tournament of Champions Recap

The 2013 PGA Tour season is finally underway.  After three days of cancelled golf, the players completed 36 holes today at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Kapalua, Hawaii at the Plantation Course.  Holes were played on Friday and Sunday before each round was called off and cancelled, an unprecedented happening on tour.  Players were becoming increasingly frustrated and restless waiting to get the season started.  After the rain and wind delays, today was a relief for the players, though the wind was still strong.

After the first round today, three players held the lead.  Dustin Johnson, Mark Wilson, and new Nike tour professional Nick Watney each grabbed a share of the top spot with 4-under 69s.  Watney reached the number with an eagle at the final hole.  Johnson birdied four holes on the back nine to shoot 69 while hitting 17 greens in regulation.  His round was slowed by three 3-putts on greens that were slowed to counteract the windy conditions.  Wilson shot a bogey-free round but failed to birdie any of the par 5s on the course.  Watney drained a 68 foot putt on the last hole for eagle which got him to 4-under par.

In a tie for fourth after round 1 were Ben Curtis, Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson, and Brandt Snedeker.  The field played the course over a shot under par on average and only 6 players were over par.

The second round began right after players finished their first round.  Dustin Johnson continued his strong play with a 7-under 66 in round 2.  The round included 4 putts at eagle on the back 9 with a 3 on hole 18 for eagle.  Defending champion Steve Stricker shot a 6-under 67 in the second round to pull within 3 shots and finish the round at 8-under and in solo second.  Watson fired a 69 after a first-round 70 to pull into solo third and four shots behind Johnson.  And rounding out the top 5 after the second round are Keegan Bradley who fired a 69 and Snedeker who fired a second-straight 3-under 70.  Both players are tied at 6-under par.

Tee times for the final round start tomorrow afternoon and the tournament will be cut to 54 holes.

Other Notable Scores:

Tommy Gainey: -5
Webb Simpson: -2
Rickie Fowler: -2
Jason Dufner: +3
Hunter Mahan: +3
Kyle Stanley: +12

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