The Blue Monster course has historically been one of the tougher courses played on the PGA Tour. Just last year though, it was made even tougher by golf architect Gil Hanse, who brought water in play on a lot more holes and near some fairways. Just last year, the final (winning) score was a 4-under, albeit due to some poor weather conditions.
You can imagine then how shocked the golfing world was when none other than JB Holmes posted a 10-under (62) during the opening round of the tournament, good enough for a four shot lead. His rounded consisted of eight birdies and an eagle; he only came close to a bogey on the last hole, where he made an 8-foot putt to save par. In an interview afterwards, JB credited his low score to being able to hit the shots he had in mind as well as a hot putter, all of which result in a good round. Holmes is on record saying that he didn't like the old Blue Monster course because it was too easy.
To justify his 62, that's over 11 shots lower than the scoring average of the field, which was a 73.4. Combine that with the fact that he's up against the world's best golfers had said golfers stunned. Many of his fellow players, such as Luke Donald and Shane Lowry, jokingly wondered if they were even playing the same course. He also received much praise from fellow competitors
JB leads over Ryan Moore, who shot a 66; an excellent score in it's own right, but diminished by JB's round. He stated that the course was tough, but birdies were possible. Some notable rounds were Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell (+1, T27), Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler (-4, T3), Patrick Reed (-1, T13).
Unfortunately we weren't able to make any picks this week, but we'll still be providing updates of the tournament. Remember that there is no cut this week too since its a WGC event.
-Nick
Toronto Golf Reviews
How will JB Holmes play the rest of the WGC Cadillac Championship?
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