Svensson shoots flawless 61 as Spieth struggles in Hawaii
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[January 11, 2019]
(Reuters) - Adam Svensson shot a
stunning nine-under-par 61 to take a one-stroke lead as Jordan
Spieth struggled in the opening round of the Sony Open in Hawaii on
Thursday.
The 25-year-old Canadian drilled a putt for his seventh birdie on
the 18th green to move a shot clear of American Andrew Putnam, who
earlier in the day used a red-hot putter to card a 62 at Waialae
Country Club in Honolulu.
Svensson, who ignited his flawless round with an eagle at the
par-five ninth, attributed the lowest round of his career to his
putting.
"My speed was great," he told Golf Channel. "I was around the hole,
I hit 17 greens or something like that, so I gave myself a lot of
opportunities and I came out with a 61."
Svensson said he was pleased with how he played but will not be
getting ahead of himself as he looks to land his first PGA Tour
title.
"Just stay patient. You hear a lot of people say that," he said.
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"Pars are great out here. The odd birdie here and there is great. So
I'm just going to go out there and have fun tomorrow and enjoy it."
Matt Kuchar was alone in third after his round of 63 with Chez
Reavie, Hudson Swafford and Japan's Shugo Imahira in a three-way tie
for fourth two shots further back.
While relative unknowns like Svensson and Putnam were running in
birdie after birdie in brilliant sunshine, Spieth managed just one
in what passes for winter in the Pacific tropics.
The three-times major champion is seeking a return to the peak after
the first disappointing season of his career, and warned on the eve
of that it could take a while.
Thursday's evidence suggested that could be the case.
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![](../images/011119pics/sports60.jpg)
PGA golfer
Jordan Spieth tees off on the first hole during the first round of
the Sony Open in Hawaii golf tournament
at Waialae Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY
Sports
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"I went through a couple of different swings today," the Texan told
reporters.
"I don't feel like I've been in this situation before."
"I'm over the ball and not comfortable. It's going to happen (at
some stage of) your career."
Spieth said he was confident he would get back to where he thinks he
should be.
"I'm not worried about it... As long as I don't let it get to me
like I did last year at times."
Remembering one of golf's new 2019 rules was also proving a work in
progress for Spieth, who on two separate occasions dropped his ball
from shoulder height when taking free relief, rather than the knee
height now required.
Fortunately a rules official reminded him of his error before he had
played his next shot.
Had they not, it would have been a one-shot penalty.
(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina and Rory Carroll
in Los Angeles, editing by Nick Mulvenney)
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