PGA: English dazzles, Tiger finishes strong
Harris English made the difficult look easy Thursday in the Northern Trust, just like he has done all year to even reach this position in the PGA Tour’s post-season.
Facing the tough stretch on the back nine of the TPC Boston to start his round, English hit 5iron on the 11th and 12th holes, both of them to about eight feet for birdies. He followed with two long birdie putts to run his streak to four, and finished at 7-under 64.
By the end of the opening round, English shared the lead with Kevin Streelman, Cameron Davis of Australia and Russell Henley, who finished with a tap-in eagle.
Good starts were important to so many in the FedEx Cup playoffs, which are as much about advancing as avoiding elimination.
The top 70 from the 122-man field (three players have withdrawn) move on to next week for another $9.5-million (U.S.) event. The goal then is to reach the top 30 for the Tour Championship and its $15-million prize to the winner.
Tiger Woods opened with a 68 with five birdies over his last 10 holes.
Of the top 11 players who were separated by one shot after the first round, five of them began the week outside the top 70, with Bubba Watson on the bubble at No. 66.