England’s Aaron Rai shares lead after first round of Farmers Insurance Open
The 27-year-old started on the more forgiving North Course of Torrey Pines
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Englishman Aaron Rai shot an eight-under 64 at the Farmers Insurance Open to tie for the first-round lead with Americans Sam Ryder and Brent Grant.
The 27-year-old started at Torrey Pines by birdying the Number 10 on the North Course of the San Diego venue, before collecting seven more birdies on a productive day.
World number three Jon Rahm, meanwhile, struggled to a one-over 73 on the South Course.
The Spaniard, who is trying for his third win in as many starts, made a double bogey on the par-four seventh hole and was continually left frustrated on the more challenging course.
None of the three leaders has won a Tour title, while Ryder is also coming off three straight missed cuts and rookie Grant’s last four rounds have been 74 or worse.
Rai was pleased after play, admitting it had been a “very good” round and start to the tournament.
“Really drove it great off the tee, which is probably the most important thing to at least give ourselves an opportunity with those approach shots,” he said, in comments carried by the San Diego Union-Tribune.
“As soon as you miss the fairway here with anything more than a short iron (it) is very, very difficult.
“So that was key today, drove it very well. Hit a lot of real good iron shots and made a few putts around the turn there, so all in all a very good round, very good start.”
Ryder indicated he had more to accomplish, telling PGA Tour: “You’re only as good as how you finish and there’s three more days of golf.”
Rahm will be looking to bounce back, after winning four of his last six events, including his last two starts on the PGA Tour at last week’s American Express and the season-opening Sentry Tournament of Champions.
The tournament is being held from Wednesday to Saturday to avoid a clash with the NFL’s AFC and NFC championship games on Sunday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments