In the first event of a three-tournament PGA TOUR swing through Asia, Byeong Hun An was the first-round leader in his home country at THE CJ CUP @ NINE BRIDGES with an eight under 64.
Chile’s Joaquin Niemann, who won a month ago at the A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier, sits a stroke behind in second.
Jason Day’s attempt to impress International team captain Ernie Els for a spot at the Presidents Cup took a positive turn when the Australian shot a six under 66 to sit two strokes off the lead and in solo third after the opening round.
Day is hoping Els will chose him as a captain’s pick for the International team against the Tiger Woods-captained US side in December at Royal Melbourne.
‘It is certainly disappointing not to make the team on my own merits. But it is a reminder that nothing is given to you in this game,’ Day said ahead of his first round.
‘I certainly want to be on the team and believe I can be an asset to the Internationals. Being in my home country certainly gives me an edge and I’ve had some success on the sandbelt [courses] and Royal Melbourne in the past.’
Defending champion Brooks Koepka shot a 69 Thursday with an eagle on the 18th, his final hole, and last year’s runner-up, Gary Woodland, had a 71.
Justin Thomas, who won the inaugural CJ CUP, shot 68 and Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth each 70. Spieth is looking to end a lengthy drought – he hasn’t won in a span of 54 tournaments worldwide. South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli closed with a bogey to join Spieth in a share of 29th place.
He is one ahead of Branden Grace, who opened with a double-bogey on Thursday.
Kevin Na, who won in a playoff at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas two weeks ago, had a 72 and Sergio Garcia 73.
There are 78 players are in the no-cut, limited-field event.
