Kuchar tied for lead in Mexico

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico – Matt Kuchar decided at the last minute to play the Mayakoba Golf Classic and made it look like a smart move Thursday.

Kuchar missed only two fairways at El Camaleon Golf Club, key to good scoring, and kept bogeys off his card for a 7-under 64 that gave him a share of the lead with Dominic Bozzelli and PGA Tour rookie Kramer Hickok.

Kuchar has gone more than four years since his last PGA Tour victory. His 64 was his lowest opening round on tour since a 64 in the 2017 Phoenix Open.

“It’s an amazing resort, Mayakoba. So to be able to bring the family to enjoy some vacation time, it’s a bit of a working vacation,” Kuchar said. “I had a good time at the office, as well.”

Most players did, with more than half of the 132-man field in the 60s.

Jordan Spieth was not among them. Playing his second straight week in the fall – and his last tournament before his wedding – Spieth traded birdies and bogeys and had to settle for an even-par 71, leaving him in need to a good round Friday just to stick around for the weekend.

LPGA Tour

HAINAN ISLAND, China – Topranked Ariya Jutanugarn shot a 4under 68 to take a four-stroke lead at the halfway point of the Blue Bay LPGA tournament.

Jutanugarn had birdies on the final two holes – and four of the closing seven – to take command over the rest of the field at 7-under 137.

Jennifer Song, Moriya Jutanugarn, and Gaby Lopez shot 71s and were in a tie for second at 3-under.