Who’s leading after day one? The weather. And it may be leading after day two. And even day three. During Thursday’s first round of the Players Championship, not only did storms stop play for hours, it paused the difficulty at TPC Sawgrass, softening greens and forcing officials to allow the generous lift-clean-and-place rule for players. As for the days ahead? More rain is on the way, and a Monday finish looks likely. Eventually, a winner will be crowned, but for now, weather is ahead. Here are three things you need to know after Thursday’s play in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Tommy Fleetwood and Tom Hoge lead
After an hour delay to start the day and a second, lengthier halt later, golf was eventually played, and Tommy Fleetwood and Tom Hoge took advantage of the softer conditions best. Each shot a six-under 66 to grab a one-stroke lead over four players, though 17 players had either yet to finish a hole or even start, and many more were just a few shots into their first rounds.
Fleetwood and Hoge each bogeyed one hole, with Fleetwood making seven birdies, and Hoge five and an eagle.
“It’s a great first day,” Fleetwood said. “I’m chuffed to be in on that score. I felt like I drove the ball well aside from a couple, and I felt like I chipped and putted great. For sure, like that was the most I could have got out of the round. So days like that are very, very pleasing.
“I think there’s things that I can do better. So I’ll try to do that over the next few days. Again, I’m not going to complain about the day or anything. I’ll just move on and be happy with a 66.”
Joaquin Niemann among those a shot back
At five-under were Joaquin Niemann, the winner at last month’s Genesis Invitational; Kramer Hickok; Keith Mitchell; and Anirban Lahiri. Two back of the lead were Brian Harman, Sam Burns and Abraham Ancer, and eight players, including world No. 1 Jon Rahm, were at three-under.
“It was like two rounds I played today,” said Rahm, referring to the delay. “It was good. I was playing — I would say it wasn’t my best day tee to green, maybe not my best day with the irons, but luckily short game was good. Kind of reverse to what it’s been the last few months. I was able to post a score.”
Defending champion Justin Thomas among those still on the course
Among those who did not complete their first rounds were defending champion Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Xander Schauffele.
In a somewhat unusual scenario, a handful of players who teed off late in the morning wave played their final few shots in near darkness to avoid having to come back early on Friday, then wait hours for their afternoon tee times (if there are even Friday afternoon tee times). Ian Poulter even sprinted to play the island-green 17th hole and hit his tee shot on 18.