KAPALUA, Hawaii — Jimmy Walker, who notched his second career PGA Tour win in Hawaii, could be on track for another success in the island state after taking a two-shot, first-round lead at the SBS Tournament of Champions Thursday.
The reigning PGA Championship titleholder plundered an eagle and six birdies in benign conditions for an eight-under-par 65 on the Kapalua Plantation course on the island of Maui.
Fellow Americans Ryan Moore, Justin Thomas and Jim Herman carded 67, with world No. 1 Jason Day equal 12th on 70.
Defending champion Jordan Spieth struggled at times en route to a 72 that left him joint 22nd in the elite 32-man, winners-only field.
Walker was a late bloomer who did not win on tour until three years ago, the same season as he clinched the Sony Open in Honolulu.
He also lost a playoff at Kapalua two years ago, and says he always feels relaxed in Hawaii.
“I get off the plane here, breath the air and it just puts you in a solid good mood,” the 37-year-old told golf Channel.
Walker cranked up his round with a 40-foot eagle at the par-five fifth, and ended it in style by nearly holing out from 70 yards at the par-five 18th before tapping in for birdie.
“I drove it well, made a bunch of good putts,” said the six-times PGA Tour winner. A (40-footer) for eagle puts a little spring in your step. (I had) nice control of the ball all day.”
Second-placed Herman made a tidy return to a course he played with rented clubs on his honeymoon 12 years ago.
The journeyman was encouraged by Donald Trump to pursue a professional career, and like the United States President-elect aimed high.
Herman was formerly an assistant pro at Trump Bedminster in New Jersey, and a frequent playing companion of Trump.
Herman plans to take a break from his playing schedule to be at Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
“We have tickets,” he said. “I think we’re going to be there.”
Day, meanwhile, admitted to a few nerves in his first event since pulling out of the Tour Championship with a back injury in September.
“Longevity is obviously key,” he said. “I had to do the right thing and take some time off. But standing on the (first) tee I was a little nervous. I haven’t stood on a tee for three months.” — Reuters
