Little-known US journeyman David Mathis grabbed a one-shot lead in the opening round of the St Jude Classic on Thursday, despite bogeying his penultimate hole.
Mathis, who earned his PGA Tour card by finishing in the top 25 in last year’s Nationwide Tour money list, took charge with a five-under-par 65 on a sweltering hot and humid day at the TPC Southwind.
Swede Robert Karlsson, beaten by Britain’s Lee Westwood in a three-way playoff for last year’s title, opened with a 66 to end the day level with Americans John Merrick, Kris Blanks, Colt Knost and Kevin Kisner.
World No. 2 Westwood launched his title defense with a 69, salvaging a mediocre round with three birdies in his last four holes.
Mathis, whose best PGA Tour finish was a tie for eighth at last month’s New Orleans Classic, was taking nothing for granted after ending the first round in control.
“I haven’t been in this position before,” the 37-year-old told reporters after mixing six birdies with a lone bogey at the par-three eighth where he three-putted. “I don’t feel stressed or uncomfortable in the position. I know there’s tons of golf left. I’m just trying to keep poise about me ... just take it for what it is, enjoy it, be thankful for a good round and try to reproduce it for the next three days.”
Former European No. 1 Karlsson, a PGA Tour rookie this year at the age of 41, said he was happy to be back at the venue where he recorded his best finish on the US circuit a year ago.
“I do like the golf course,” the 1.95m Swede said after recording five birdies and one bogey. “It’s great to be back here. Yesterday in the practice round, I learned quite quickly that you want to stay out of the rough and play the course from tee to green. I did a pretty good job of that today.”
US rookie Keegan Bradley, just 11 days after winning his first PGA Tour title, charged into contention with a four-birdie 67.
“It was a good day,” said the 25-year-old, who has been grouped with fellow PGA Tour rookie Jhonattan Vegas of Venezuela for the first two rounds. “I had a great pairing with Johnny. It was a really fun group out there.”
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