SOUTHAMPTON (Bermuda) Arjun AtwalHe had not played in Bermuda for three months, and he was not guaranteed a tee. He left Port Royal Thursday with an 8-under score of 63. This was one shot less than his opponent in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
Atwal hadn’t played any type of golf since his return from India on Friday. His 49-year-old body was not ready to take the challenge and play 18 holes. He felt great and played even better.
Atwal was one shot ahead Austin SmothermanThe birdie-striker had nine birdies in calm morning conditions and a clean card. Harrison EndycottAustralia, who played his last five holes in 5 under. Each player had a score of 62.
Scoring conditions were so good that nearly 75% (132-man) broke 70.
Atwal was the most surprised player, as his lone PGA Tour win was in the Wyndham Champion in 2010, on a sponsor exemption.
This tournament is so weak that only one player from the top 50 world rankings is participating. Atwal, however, was high enough on the alternative list to fly to the middle Atlantic Ocean.
Nicholas LindheimDue to a back injury, Atwal withdrew. Atwal was eating breakfast, so he had time to stop by a few drivers and then headed to the first Tee. He opened promptly with three straight birdies.
I haven’t played much golf. Atwal stated that he lost his father in India three months ago, so he sent me over. I dont play golf and I have stopped walking. I played 18 holes at Isleworth last week in a cart and its not as good as this place. I am happy that I completed the 18 holes and am not tired.
The Friday game at Floridas home was his last round of golf since the 3M Open, Minnesota on July 21 when he was disqualified for a 73.
Although his fathers death was a hard blow, he said that it gave him a better perspective.
The game is just a game. Atwal stated, I take it as it is now. I have nothing to prove. I have won here. I won on the European Tour and the Asian Tour. Next year, Im looking forward the 50 tour.
Smotherman is just starting. He finished at No. He was 137th in the FedEx Cup last season as a rookie. However, he was able to keep all his cards when he moved up to the top125 with all the players defecting for LIV Golf.
He was bracing himself for big wind, similar to what he experienced last week at Trinity Forest for member-guests. He had a bogey-free round in the morning calm, which was his best score on PGA Tour.
Endycott joined him in 62 at the beginning, but it wasn’t a good start. He opened with two birdies. The Australian ended the round with seven birdies and two pars. This was the day to make the most of the beautiful weather.
Endycott stated that I don’t believe we’re going get too many rounds here with no wind.
The four players who joined Atwal when he was 63 Adam SchenkHis wife claimed that he missed Mondays flight because he had left his clubs at home.
Sean OHair Thomas DetryThey were among the 64. The 65-member group featured Seamus PowerIreland, who at No. 48 is Port Royals highest-ranked player.
The field was missing Grayson Murray. The Royal Gazette reported that he was in an accident with a scooter on Bermuda roads.
John DalyHe rolled his own way to a 71. Daly can use a cart on PGA Tour through American with Disabilities Act due to osteoarthritis in his right leg.
