Johnson makes strong start
new york — Big-hitting Dustin Johnson made a strong start in his bid to claim the world number one ranking this week by firing a fiveunder 66 that left him two shots off leader Sam Saunders on the opening day of the weather-interrupted Genesis Open.
Thursday’s 75-minute fog delay led to play being halted due to failing light with 48 players still on the course. Heavy rain and high winds are expected to threaten play on Friday.
Reigning US Open champion Johnson, who can claim the top ranking with a win should incumbent Jason Day tie for third or worse, made six birdies and one bogey to tie for second behind Saunders on the classic Riviera layout -7 Sam Saunders (US) 18 64 -5 J.T. Poston (US) 18 66 Dustin Johnson (US) 18 66 Daniel Summerhays (US) 18 66 Brett Stegmaier (US) 18 66 Cameron Percy (Australia) 18 66 -4 An Byeong Hun (Korea) 18 67 Jhonattan Vegas (Venezuela) 14 John Huh (US) 12 Jason Kokrak (US) 12 Phil Mickelson (US) 18 67 Padraig Harrington (Ireland) 18 67 Billy Hurley III (US) 18 67 Marc Leishman (Australia) 18 67 in Los Angeles. “Obviously, it would be great to get there but I’m focused on this week and this golf tournament, each shot that I’m hitting,” said Johnson, who is in a five-way tie for second.
Saunders, grandson of the late Arnold Palmer, made seven birdies in a bogey-free 64 as he seeks his maiden PGA Tour win in his 79th start.
“I just want to try and give myself the position to win any tournament out on tour,” said Saunders, whose famed grandfather won the Los Angeles Open three times.
“I’m still looking for my first win. If it could come at a place like this it would be incredibly special,” the 29-year-old added. Joining Johnson at five-under were J.T. Poston, a qualifier who holed out from the fairway to eagle the par-five first hole, Daniel Summerhays, Brett Stegmaier and Cameron Percy. —