LAS VEGAS — Tom HogeTo take advantage of the perfect conditions Thursday morning in Las Vegas, he wanted to make sure. He did more than he anticipated, making two eagles along the way to an 8-under-63 for a one shot lead in Shriners Childrens Open.
One of the eagles had a gap wedge in his hands, as part of a six-hole stretch that he played in 6-under during his round at TPC Summerlin.
The 35-foot putt on the hill on the par-5 16th was the other eagle. Hoge made sure that bogeys were not on his card.
Presidents Cup Partners Si Woo Kim Tom KimGanged up Max HomaA group that brought back stories and memories from Quail hollow two weeks ago. Si Woo Kim scored 64 and was tied with Kim for second. Maverick McNealyTom Kim was 65, and Homa was 67.
Homa was 4-0 in his Presidents Cup debut and beat Tom Kim in singles. Tom Kim was the star of the show, however, when he made the 10-foot birdie putt on hole 10, and slammed his cap to ground to celebrate with Si Woo Kim, his partner.
Si Woo Kim stated that We still talk about Presidents Cup, like a few holes. Then I finished the hole and Tom came over to 18 and I said, If you make that one, I got you to throw the hat like Saturdays last hole.
McNealy lives now in Las Vegas. He had more support than usual for Thursday mornings, which he hopes will lead to a gallery that will grow on the weekend.
Champion of defense Sungjae ImTom Kim joined him in the large group at 65. This was especially impressive as he played in the afternoon, when low scores were more difficult to find.
Patrick CantlayHe has a win and two runners-up finishes in his four appearances at TPC Summerlin.
Hoges low round was not expected as he had been fishing off Mexico for the past two weeks and wanted to put away his golf clubs after a long season. Although he was in contention for a Presidents Cup pick he was not surprised as he hadnt been playing well enough since his initial PGA Tour win at Pebble Beach in February.
Hoge said, I didn’t realize where things would stand today.
He made a 25-foot birdie on No. 6, then hit a gap wedge at 110 yards on No. 7 that hit the pin in the middle and crashed into the cup on the left side for eagle.
He added three more birdies to his score over the next four greens, before grabbing a bonus on the 16th with a quick eagle shot.
Hoge stated, It was an exciting day. I feel like some of my birdie putts were not very good, but I made some really nice, long putts for eagle, 16 and other long shots. Im happy with the score, but I have to make more birdies over the next few days.