SAN ANTONIO — Veterans Padraig Harrington Matt KucharEach shot a 4-under-68 on Thursday to share the lead early with MJ Daffue Roberto DíazIn the weather-delayed Valero Texas Open’s first round.
Daffue eagled the par-5 18th hole at TPC San Antonio and Díaz made birdie on 18 to join the 51-year-old Harrington, who has played on the PGA Tour, European Tour and PGA Tour Champions this year, and the 44-year-old Kuchar atop the leaderboard.
Harrington stated, “I’m optimistic, quite enthusiastic.” “I wake up and I dream about the secret. Even though there isn’t one you’re always hopeful, dreaming. Let’s see if it is possible to be more like the children.
Fog delayed play in the morning, preventing the afternoon section of the field from finishing their rounds Thursday. Justin Lower was 5 over through eight holes, while Patrick Rodgers had 4 under through 13. When play was suspended due to darkness, Rodgers was 4 over through 13.
Matt WallaceLast week’s winner in the Dominican Republic was 1 shot back Garrick Higgo, Harry Higgs, Chez Reavie Nick Taylor.
Daffue was the winner. On the par-4 17th hole, he putted a 27-foot putt to make birdie. He then hit a 291-yard second shot from the back edge of green 18 and converted a 15-footer from fringe for a 5-under 31, on the back nine.
“It was a jumper lies [on 18]Daffue replied, “And it was right at my maximum 7-wood and I said, ‘I’m going t hit it. This one is a good feeling. It was a good day.”
Daffue, 34 years old, is seeking his first PGA Tour title. Díaz, playing on a sponsor’s exemption, finished with a 14-foot birdie.
Kuchar and Harrington are both looking for their first wins in the new decade. Kuchar won twice this year. Harrington, who won four time last year on the Over-50 tour, has not won on the PGA Tour in 2019 since the Honda Classic 2015. The Portugal Masters in 2016 was Harrington’s most recent European Tour win. He is a three-time major champion.
Harrington was inducted into the 2024 class of the World Golf Hall of Fame this month. Eight years ago, he finished in the top 3 after his first round at PGA National. He went on to win.
Harrington would also be eligible for the Masters if he wins this week. This is his second appearance since 2015. He missed the cut at Augusta National this year.
Harrington started on Harrington’s back nine. He made three birdies around the turn, two more on the fourth hole, and then closed with four consecutive pars.
Kuchar opened with a bogey of No. Kuchar sat down for more than two hours, before the fog lifted. He made three birdies in the last five holes of his nineth hole, and then converted 3-footers into birdies on Nos. 5, 8
Kuchar stated that if you play indifferent golf, the course can come after you. “I was fortunate to be able to get away with a few loose ones today. My game is generally in good shape and I really enjoy this course.
