With 156 players spread over 3 courses, it is difficult to draw conclusions at the top of the rankings after a sunny first round on the Californian coast. In the lead, the American Tom Hoge (photo) made a strong impression on the Pebble Beach course by performing a remarkable display putter in hand.
Second 15 days ago at La Quinta in a similar format with a 3-course rotation, Tom Hoge is on track to put the cover back this week on the side of Carmel.
Thursday on the Pebble Beach course he returned a card of 63 (-9) or 2 strokes better thanAustin Smotherman his closest pursuer who, like him, started his tournament on the route of the US Open 2019.
Hoge approached the Pebble Beach course record with a stroke, thanks to 6 consecutive birdies on his last 7 holes and a boiling hot putter (23 putts).
Make it six! ???? https://t.co/2SIU4k4emq pic.twitter.com/tYf5JYTzY6
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 3, 2022
Cantlay at the rendezvous
Among the favorites we note the good start of Patrick Cantlay author of a 65 (-6) at Monterey Peninsula Shore Course, the shortest of the three courses.
The world number 4 ended his day with 3 birdies to climb to 5th place while the second player in the top 20 present this week, Jordan Spieth managed to return a card of 68 (-3) despite slight gastric problems.
He is one step ahead of Jason Day, another ex-world number 1 like him.
Holder of 8 top 10 in this prestigious pro-am, the Australian signed a good 68 (-4) the 4th best card of the day at Pebble beach.
The only player in the FedEx Cup top 10 present at the start, Cameron Tringale is at the bottom of the ranking in 150th place with a first score of 77 (+6)!
Barjon distanced
Committed to the neighboring route of Spyglass Hill Paul Barjon could not do better than 73 (+1), or 9 shots more than the Irishman Seamus Power, author of the best performance of the day on this 3rd course with a card of 64 (-8).
The French sails beyond 100th place and will have to relaunch this Friday at Pebble Beach then Saturday in Monterey to hope to be part of the 60 best pros and tied for the 4th round on Sunday at Pebble Beach.
Finally note that as a team Paul Barjon and his partner Antoine Arnault share 138th place with the duo composed of the president of the French Golf Federation Pascal Grizot and German Alex Cejka.
The two doublets returned cards in the par while only the 30 best pairs, at the end of the rotation on the 3 courses, will be invited to take part in the 4th and last round.
Video summary of the 1st round
The pro ranking
The amateur classification
