Right out of the, “Where have they been?” file, we have a Martin Kaymer sighting. I repeat, we have a Martin Kaymer sighting. Carded a -5 on day #1. Well done, Martin.
Danny Willett (-3) also rising from the dead. Danny — we backed you at 45-1 at the Masters in 2016 so we will forever be grateful to your inspired play (it is not lost on us that if Jordan Spieth does not COLLAPSE, we get bupkus).
We owe a nod to Steve Stricker, also at -3. Somehow Stricker, no matter his age, keeps competing with the top players in the world. You watch Stricker take the club back on a practice swing, and it looks like he’s dealing with a torn rotator cuff, and an acute case of bursitis, and if he really dials it up, it seems like the best he can do is hit his tee shot about 220, tops. Somehow Stricker stripes it down the middle and is on in two. Steve, keep doing what you are doing.
Lastly, for what it is worth, Norman Xiong, an American ranked #446 on tour, posted an even par 72. Norman, if you are an actual professional golfer - and not a bot - we’re pulling for you.
Keep It Together