While the hype leading up to The Match between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson is stealing the thunder in the States, the ISPS Handa World Cup of Golf is underway in Australia. Here’s what you missed in the first round.
1. Ian Poulter is good in EVERY team event
Poulter, the Ryder Cup stalwart, and Tyrrell Hatton are tied for the lead after the opening round of fourballs on Thursday at Metropolitan in Melbourne, Australia. Poulter and Hatton, representing England, shot a 10-under 62. They are tied at the top with Australia’s Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith and South Korea’s Byeong Hun An and Si Woo Kim.
The 28 teams of two in the field will play fourballs again on Saturday. Friday and Sunday are alternate shot.
There is something about team events that brings out the best in @IanJamesPoulter.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/v9mxXDoUSA
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) November 22, 2018
2. The Americans got hot on the front nine
The U.S. team of Kyle Stanley and Matt Kuchar shot six under, despite playing the back nine in even par, and are tied for 13th. They made four straight birdies on Nos. 4-7 and then eagled the par-5 9th.
“[Stanley] picked me up when I was down and vice versa,” Kuchar said. “Ended up turning at six under and then a really slow, unfortunate back nine. It was too bad, but six under, it’s not going to hurt us. We’re in decent position to start off the week.
3. Remembering Jarrod
The event is taking place in Australia, the home country of Jarrod Lyle, the beloved pro who died in August at age 36 after a long battle with cancer. His wife, Briony, was on hand to greet players.
A touching moment @WorldCupofGolf.
Jarrod Lyle's wife Briony is showing support. 🇦🇺
Hugs for Team Australia and Team United States. pic.twitter.com/o0LK7Fpy7T
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) November 22, 2018
