Sahith Theegala took the lead in Hawaii, thanks to a sumptuous 64 (-9) at The Sentry, the opening tournament of the PGA Tour season. The American is one point ahead of a group of five pursuers including his compatriot Collin Morikawa double winner of a Major.

The Sentry: Sahith Theegala dominates after opening 18 holes

Sahith Theegala ©Titleist

The 24-year-old American, who is playing his first full season on the circuit, made six consecutive birdies from the 10th to the 15th hole, before concluding with a final birdie at the 18th. He suddenly beats a group of five players at -8, including Collin morikawa, two-time major winner.

Morikawa was particularly moved to play on Kapalua Plantation Course in Hawaii, where he has family roots. His grandparents were born in Lahaina and ran a restaurant in this town. He also paid tribute to the victims of the deadly fires which ravaged California last August.

“I can talk about the last rounds, the last shots, the first tee, the last group and those in the majors, but this was the biggest honor I could have,” he said. “Not because it was the first tournament of the year, but because it was here on Maui, everything this week means to me. It means even more. »

Morikawa made six birdies and an eagle on the 9th hole, thanks to a masterful 3-wood shot that reached the elevated green of the par 5.

Among the other players at -8, we find the champion of FedExCup Viktor Hovland, Jason Day, Camilo Villegas and Sungjae Im. Villegas, who qualified by winning the Bermuda tournament, recorded the first birdie of the year.

Jordan Spieth started his season badly with a double bogey on the 1st hole, after sending his ball into the grass to the right of the 3rd fairway. He recovered well with nine birdies and finished at -7, tied with world number 1 Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele.

Eighteen players returned a card of 67 or better, which is not surprising given the ideal playing conditions, with little wind and fast fairways.

The Sentry continues through Sunday, with a 59-player field, made up of PGA TOUR winners and the top 50 from the FedExCup.

To access the leaderboard: Click here

To read the latest article on the subject: Click here

Scottie Scheffler extends contract with TaylorMade Golf