(Memphis) Chris Kirk had a hole-in-one and shot a 6-under 64 Thursday to take a one-shot lead at the St. Jude Championship, the starting point of the PGA Tour playoffs.
The American ranked 28e took the lead with a birdie on 12e hole, then he consolidated his place with a hole-in-one on the 14the.
He arrived at 18e leading at minus-7, before committing his only bogey of the day.
Canadian Taylor Pendrith is second at minus-5, tied with Frenchman Matthieu Pavon and Japanese Hideki Matsuyama.
PHOTO CHARLIE NEIBERGALL, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Taylor Pendrith
At minus 4 are Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, among others.
The first triumphed at the Olympic tournament in Paris and the second has two victories in major tournaments this year.
The surprise of the day was perhaps Matsuyama’s play.
The Olympic bronze medallist has had his share of misadventures since leaving Paris.
He had his wallet stolen while his caddy and coach had their passports and visas stolen during a stopover in London.
PHOTO STEVE ROBERTS, USA TODAY SPORTS, PROVIDED BY REUTERS
Hideki Matsuyama
Matsuyama is playing without his regular caddie and coach at this tournament.
“I completely forgot about that, it’s not even a problem,” Matsuyama said through an interpreter.
It was an unfortunate situation, but fortunately I only lost my wallet. My caddie and coach are doing their best to get their visas back in order.
Hideki Matsuyama
Other Canadians in contention at TPC Southwind are Nick Taylor (2 under), Corey Conners (1 under), Mackenzie Hughes (even par) and Adam Hadwin (+1).
Scheffler and Schauffele have won three of the four major titles this year, for eight titles in total. They played together in this first round.
Although they are good friends, they promise each other against each other over the next few days.
“It’s fun to play against your friends, but we all want to win,” Scheffler said.
This tournament is the first elimination stage of the FedEx Cup, which brings together 70 golfers.
The top 50 will compete in the BMW Championship in the Denver area next week.
The top 30 of this second tournament will then be able to access the Circuit Championship in Atlanta, the following week.