Max Homa, big moments with Tiger Woods
Max Homa had one of several big moments on the first tee. It started with Tiger Woods, the tournament host to went from being a 15-time major champion to the starter on the first tee. He wanted to introduce Aaron Beverly, who received the Charlie Sifford exemption to play in the elite field.
The tournament is celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the year Sifford — the first Black golfer to win on the PGA TOUR — was born. For Homa, it was a new experience on a familiar course. He grew up in Southern California and Riviera was the PGA TOUR event he often attended.
He had to fight back tears when he won last year. And he was a little nervous going to the tee and knowing he would be introduced as the defending champion.
Max Homa, statements
“It was cool. I got a nice ovation,” Homa said.
“And playing with two great guys, two of the best players of all time, added to that a little bit. But it was fun. I’ve been on this tee a million times watching and playing now, and to get to hear that was pretty special”.
He played with Dustin Johnson and Adam Scott, past winners at Riviera. Johnson has gone more than a year since his last win at the Saudi International, and it doesn’t appear that’s going to change. On the 10th hole, he went from fairway bunker to the back slope of greenside bunker, chipped it to a flatter lie, left the next one in the sand and made double bogey.
He opened with a 73. Collin Morikawa, another LA kid, and Justin Thomas were among those at 67. Even in ideal conditions — pleasant sunshine, very little wind — all but Niemann were held in check. Half the field broke par.
That included Jon Rahm, the No. 1 player in the world, even if he had reason to believe his 69 felt much worse. He was second in the field to Niemann in the statistical category that measures play from tee to green. Only four players had a worse time puting.
Rahm raised his arms in mock triumph when he made a 4-foot birdie on the par-4…
Source : tennisworldusa
