Furyk takes early lead at Bridgestone
BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2012 World Golf Championship -Bridgestone Invitational | Round One | 03 Aug 2012
Play on day one of the WGC Bridgestone Championship has been completed and it is Jim Furyk who has the first day lead, his opening round of 63 leaving him two ahead of England’s Lee Slattery and three ahead of Luke Donald, Bubba Watson, Ben Crane, Rafael Cabrera Bello, Simon Dyson and John Senden.
Pre tournament favourite Tiger Woods and defending champion Adam Scott recorded rounds of 70 and 71 respectively.
Furyk, whose indicated his recent form is perhaps better than his results would suggest, has yet to win at the South Course at Firestone although there have been several near misses including when a playoff loser to Tiger Woods in 2001. After this great start he has an opportunity to claim his first title over the famed layout.
“I’ve always liked playing here,” said Furyk. "I love the golf course. I know everyone has been saying there’s been a drought here and the golf course was browning out a couple weeks ago, and I was surprised when I got here yesterday, the golf course was pretty soft. The fairways were starting to bounce, but the greens were really soft yesterday.
“Then it kind of switched overnight. It got a lot firmer today than it was yesterday, and we’re seeing the ball travel a lot off the tee today and the greens are starting to have a bounce to them. I love seeing the firm, fast golf courses. It helps me out a little bit.”
Slattery, ranked 230 in the world, is playing the event as a result of his victory at the Madrid Masters last year and was delighted with his start and described why at the age of 33 he was playing the event for the first occasion.
“I’ve never been a quick improver. Some guys come out on Tour and take to it quickly. I’ve been a steady improver over the years. I’m 33 years old, so that’s not too bad. But certainly having that win last year and playing a lot steadier, I’m starting to make the progress which I always expected to at some stage.”
Senden continued what has already been a good year to date. The Queenslander has played only three events in the past two months, taking a one month break after his 10th place finish at the US Open before finishing 4th at the John Deere and a respectable midfield finish at the Open Championship.
Geoff Ogilvy is the next best of the Australians after his opening round of 67, Marc Leishman recorded a round of even par 70, Greg Chalmers and Adam Scott 71, Robert Allenby and Aaron Baddeley 73 and Jason Day 75.
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