Hoffman fires 61 to seize PGA Travelers lead

Saturday, 22 June 2013 07:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CROMWELL, Connecticut (AFP): Charley Hoffman fired a nine-under-par 61 to seize a one-stroke lead over fellow American Hunter Mahan after round one of the $6.1 million PGA Travelers Championship. Hoffman, who shared 45th at last week’s US Open, eagled the par-4 10th and par-5 13th holes and after a birdie at the 15th needed to birdie the last three holes to match the US PGA’s all-time record low round of 59.

“It sort of crossed my mind, but not for long,” Hoffman said on Thursday. “I learned that 16, 17, 18 aren’t an easy test.” He only managed a birdie at the 18th, but it was enough to put him atop the leaderboard by a stroke over Mahan, who shared fourth at the US Open, and two shots over 2012 Masters champion Bubba Watson. Past major winners Zach Johnson and Webb Simpson were in a group sharing fourth on 65 that included fellow American John Merrick, Venezuela’s Camilo Villegas, Canada’s Graham DeLaet and Australia’s Rod Pampling. US Open winner Justin Rose of England fired a 67 to share 18th, with a high point of the day being the first time he heard his name announced as a major champion.