Young American Sahith Theegala played seven under par in 16 holes on Thursday to take the lead in the Waste Management Open.
The story we remember from this first day in Phoenix, however, is the appearance of Quebecer Étienne Papineau, who was making his debut on the PGA Tour circuit.
Papineau, who hails from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, is currently at plus-1, one stroke over par, at his baptism in the big leagues.
He was on his 17th hole of the day – the 8th, since he teeed off on the 10th hole – when officials called a suspension of play due to darkness.
Papineau notably managed two consecutive birdies, on the 17th and 18th holes. He was also paired with point guard Theegala, and will be again on Friday.
Tied for 85th place when play was suspended, Papineau will try to avoid the wave of cuts following the second round.
The 25-year-old golfer clinched his place among the 132 entries earlier this week, after a round of 67 on the fairways of McCormick Ranch Golf Club.
On the 16th hole, a par-3 that many consider the most intimidating hole on the circuit due to the presence of hundreds of festive amateurs, Papineau came very close to recording a birdie, but his ball forked just before entering the hole.
Theegala, the surprise guest at the top
Starting with the last four, Theegala was in the lead at 7 under with two holes to play when the round was suspended due to darkness. KH Lee followed at 6 under (65).
“The key for me, as it always is in my game, is getting my tee shot in the fairway,” Theegala said after his day at work. I was able to do it early and often. »
The 24-year-old former star golfer from Pepperdine University gained access to the tournament thanks to an invitation from a sponsor.
“It’s a very high caliber squad, probably the strongest I’ve played with so far this year,” continued the young athlete. I just thought it was another opportunity so might as well take advantage of it. Obviously, I am very grateful to have access to the tournament. »
Fans were back in droves on the fast-paced course at TPC Scottsdale. The crowd is estimated at more than 100,000 people and we expect to welcome even more people for the rounds on Friday and Saturday.
Theegala started his round on the 10th hole, birding a 16-foot putt. Then he made four birdies in a row from the 13th to the 16th hole.
“I got off to a really good start,” Theegala said. It was good to see the ball find the cup on the first hole. It always sets the tone. »
The rookie had another birdie on the 3rd hole and wedged a 30-foot putt on the 4th hole. Friday morning, he will have to complete his round by starting with a 16-foot par putt on the eighth green.
Defending tournament champion Brooks Koepka follows not far behind at 4 under, as does world No. 1 Jon Rahm and two other top-10 members, Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay.
Two strokes behind Theegala, at 5 under, is Canadian Adam Hadwin, who had an excellent return nine, recording five birdies without committing a bogey.
Another Canadian, Ben Silverman, is tied for 44th with several golfers at minus-1 after 16 holes.
