LAS VEGAS — Mito PereiraChile led a parade of international players at the Shriners Childrens Open Presidents Cup on Friday. He made birdie on half his holes for an 8 under 63, giving him a one shot lead.
Pereira was responsible for the par 5s at TPC Summerlin. He putted for birdie every hole except the par-4 12, where he had the challenge of saving par from a bunker left to the green.
His only lapse came on the seventh hole, towards the end of his round. He ran a 20-foot birdie shot about 6 feet from the cup and then three-putted for Bogey.
Pereira was one shot ahead at 12-under 130 Robby SheltonHe birdied the par-5 ninth hole on his final hole for a score of 63.
Immediately behind were the 20-year olds Tom Kim Si Woo KimTwo weeks ago at Quail hollow, they were the top performers for their respective teams. Another shot back was Cam DavisAustralia, who also made a strong start in the Presidents Cup.
Perhaps it was not an accident. Because of so many defections from Saudi-funded LIV Golf, the Internationals were outmanned. However, they gave the mighty Americans a brief scare on day three before another U.S. victory.
Pereira stated that it was a case where captains were involved. Trevor ImmelmanThey were always reminded that they were great players who could win each night.
Pereira stated that Trevor did a great job encouraging us to be better golfers. So I believe we carry that over here. Right now, were just really good.
Two other international players were also included in the mix. Christiaan BezuidenhoutThe defending champion Sungjae Im, who was five behind.
One of the American stars is doing well. Patrick CantlayHe continued to give great looks at birdie, not an easy task on a TPC Summerlin golf course that had been renovated with new grass on its fairways and greens. This takes time, so the greens can be hard to reach.
Cantlay had no choice but to settle for a further 67, leaving him in fourth place. Cantlay, the No. With two wins this season, Cantlay is the No. 4 player worldwide. He has won two and finished second in two of his four appearances on the TPC Summerlin.
Cantlay responded that he doesnt get too worried about making a Bogey despite the good scoring.
Pereira is riding high after the Presidents Cup, where he feels confident. Pereira also recalls May as a time when the Chilean was just a step away from winning the PGA Championship. He was leading by one shot at Southern Hills 18th hole when he crossed a stream and missed the green, making double bogey to lose the playoff.
He was devastated, but it was a significant loss that got him into the top 50 of the majors and helped him play in the Presidents Cup. He still thinks of it from time-to-time, but its just way over there in the past.
Im just trying get my first victory here, he stated.
Si Woo Kim had the best nine at Summerlin. On the par-4 12, he chipped in the water and made a three-putt. He made a bunker shot to eagle from the par-4 15th. Hes a huge part of the picture this weekend, with a total score of 68.
Tom Kim is also a winner of the PGA Tour, having won the tournament two months ago. He finished with a 67, despite not making birdie at any of the par 5,s and going through the scorable stretch in the back with nothing but par.
Tom Kim stated, I just got really calm. I just didn’t make any birdies and finished out with 10 pars. It was boring after nine holes, but I persevered and kept my cool. That was my biggest accomplishment.