Leishman shoots a 61 in debut of new course
DALLAS » Marc Leishman enjoyed the old home of the AT&T Byron Nelson as much as anyone, considering he made the last nine trips there and had one of the best scoring averages in tournament history.
The Australian might take a liking to the new place as well.
Leishman shot a 10-under 61 on the links-style Trinity Forest course to take the first-round lead Thursday and was eight shots clear of hometown star Jordan Spieth in the event that returned to Dallas after 35 years at the TPC Four Seasons in suburban Irving.
Considering the criticisms of Trinity Forest from others — mentioned vaguely by players who did show up — Leishman wouldn’t have needed much to join that chorus after a history of high finishes in Irving despite a couple of recent missed cuts.
Instead, Leishman opened with an eagle, started the back nine with three birdies and reached 9 under with another eagle at the 14th.
The 34-year-old had chances to go lower but settled for a 10-foot birdie putt at the par-3 17th for the lowest round of his PGA Tour career. He was a stroke shy of the Nelson record.
“Probably would have been the harshest critic, I think,” Leishman said with a smile. “I played very well over there. When I got here and saw instantly, you know, was happy that we’re here and it’s just a cool spot.”
J.J. Spaun and Texan Jimmy Walker were three shots back. Spaun had six birdies in a span of seven holes for a 30 on his second nine.
5 share LPGA lead after opening 65s at Kingsmill.
VA.» Annie WILLIAMSBURG, Park turned a blistering stretch on the back nine into a mistake-free 6-under 65 and a share of the firstround lead on a crowded leaderboard at the Kingsmill Championship.
Jessica Korda, Azahara Munoz, In Gee Chun and Jaye Marie Green also shot 65. Park, Korda and Munoz played morning rounds in mild conditions, while Chun and Green played in rain that is expected to be a factor Friday and Saturday.