Wolff fires off 61 to lead in Mexico

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico — Matthew Wolff arrived at the Mayakoba resort and quickly realized El Camaleon might not be a good course for what he calls his “rip dog” length. Then again, he’s playing such good golf, it doesn’t seem to matter.

Wolff hit only one driver Thursday, followed his script of keeping the ball in play and ripped off a 10-under-par 61 to match his career low on the PGA Tour. It gave him a two-shot lead after the first round in the World Wide Technology Championship.

Aaron Wise had the better start, reaching 8 under through 10 holes, but wound up at 63. No one started better than Chris Kirk, who opened with a 6-iron shot on the par-3 10th that he couldn’t find until realizing the ball was in the cup for a hole-in-one. His round of 64 was matched by Sergio Garcia, Talor Gooch and Billy Horschel.

Wolff kept it steady from start to finish, such a thoroughly efficient round that only later did he realize he had the course record.

He had last played three weeks ago in Las Vegas at the Shriners Children’s Open, where he had a share of the lead with nine holes to play until Sungjae Im left everyone in his wake with a 62. Wolff finished alone in second.

The ensuing break from golf gave the 22-year-old Californian time to put serious concentration into his game with swing coach George Gankas.

Chattanooga’s Stephan Jaeger was tied for 20th after a bogey-free 67, and two other former Baylor School standouts are also in the field.

Keith Mitchell had a decidely mixed 68 that included an eagle on the par-5 13th hole, a double bogey on the following hole, five birdies and two bogeys. He was tied for 36th.

Luke List was another stroke back and tied for 57th after three birdies to offset a bogey on the second hole.