Golfing News

Thanks to a harsh winter, the rough is down and sparse, and the breezes that can make the TPC Sawgrass course play tough are non-existent. Add some rain on Tuesday night softening the greens, and the home course of The Players Championship is there for the taking in Thursday’s opening round.

On of the early takers was long-hitting American J.B. Holmes, who played bogey-free golf and shot a 66 that featured six birdies. Included in that tally were birds on the tricky par-4 14th and the ever popular island-green 17th, which Thursday played at an inviting 124 yards.

Four early-goers posted 67s, including Ben Crane, whose round featured eight birdies; and three bogeys. Jason Bohn and Heath Slocum shot more conventional 67s, and the group was joined by England’s Luke Donald, who got there with a birdie on the water-frought 466-yard 18th hole.

Phil Mickelson, who can take over the No. 1 spot in the Official World Golf Rankings for the first time ever, carded a first-round 70. World Number One, Tiger Woods, was even par through his first eight holes Thursday.

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