Potential Presidents Cup captain’s picks shining in Korea at CJ Cup

The chase for Presidents Cup captain’s picks is on, and no player seems more comfortable in South Korea than Ben An, who shot a first-round 64 Thursday.

The 28-year-old Korean made eight birdies en route to a one-shot lead, but it could have been even better. An made par on three of the four par 5s, including the 18th, which was playing as the easiest hole according to par. Nonetheless, An still managed to shoot the second-lowest round of his PGA Tour career.

Meanwhile, Jason Day is in good position for his first win in nearly 18 months. Day played bogey-free golf to a score of 66 in the first round. In just a few days, he’ll tee it up with Hideki Matsuyama, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in the Japan Skins Challenge. If Day keeps it going throughout the weekend, he could accomplish all he needs to in order to earn a Presidents Cup captain’s pick from International Ernie Els.

Both Day and An are looking to be one of the few picked for the team, as is Joaquin Niemann, who carded a 65 of his own without a birdie. Rest assured Els is paying attention.

On the American side, Jordan Spieth shot a two-under 70 while Chez Reavie sits just inside the top 10 with a Thursday 68.

Not to be forgotten, defending champ Brooks Koepka polished off a three under round with an eagle at the last, edging out his brother Chase by one shot. Perhaps he won’t get his ‘a— kicked’ by little bro again this weekend.

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