NS. LOUIS – Paul Goydos, Doug Barron and Marco Dawson each shot 5 under 66 on Friday to share the lead in the first round of the PGA Tour Champions’ first Ascension Charity Classic.
Jim Furyk, Vijay Singh, Wes Short Jr., Steve Flesch and Cliff Kresge were one shot back on Norwood Hills’ West Course, the tree-lined course where Ben Hogan won the PGA Championship for his second major title in 1948.
Goydos had six birdies and a bogey on his morning lap.
“I had a good day,” said Goydos. “I think playing in the morning was a little softer and a little more inviting didn’t hurt either. But I’ve hit a lot of fairways, I’ve hit a lot of greens and I did a lot of putts and that’s usually a good formula. It’s amazing , how it works.”
John Daly opened with a 68.
“It’s an old traditional golf course,” said Daly. “It’s something we can’t play much anymore and it’s really cool.”
Daly attended Helias High School in Jefferson City and also played as a kicker and punter. On Wednesday evening he threw the first throw at the Dodgers Cardinals game – a throw that he tried to fire unsuccessfully through the screen behind the plate.
“St. Louis has always been a huge fan base for any sport,” said Daly. “Bellerive was crazy a few years ago. It’s just great. They’ve always been a great city, a great sports city. Love the Cardinals, love their blues, and that’s what you love about coming here, it’s easy great, great fan base and good to have her by my side. “
Furyk bogeyed the 17th par-4 to go out of the tie for the lead.
“I got off to a quick start, that’s for sure, I made four of the first six birdies,” said Furyk. “Did a good job hitting a lot of fairways, I rode the ball really well today and I’m thrilled. These greens are tough so there are times when it is difficult to get the ball close or the ball in to bring a position. ” where you can be aggressive with the putter. “