April 26 (Reuters) – Masters champion Bubba Watson struggled
with fatigue as Ken Duke birdied two of his last three holes to
grab a share of the early lead in Thursday’s opening round of
the New Orleans Classic in Avondale, Louisiana.
While Watson launched his title defence with a battling
one-under-par 71 at the TPC Louisiana, fellow American Duke
capitalised on a strategy of patience to card a flawless 65 in
blustery conditions.
Bidding for his first victory on the PGA Tour where he has
been a runner-up three times, the 43-year-old Duke rattled up
seven birdies to finish level with compatriot Cameron Tringale.
“”You have to be patient out here,” journeyman Duke told
reporters. ““You can’t hit it (to) four, five feet on every hole
because there’s so many mounds on the greens.
“”You have to take your 30-foot putt here, 30-foot putt
there and take what it gives you. If you roll one in, you roll
one in. I did that a couple times today.”
American world number seven Steve Stricker and Swede Daniel
Chopra opened with 66s while Ben Curtis, who won the Texas Open
on Sunday, was a further stroke back with fellow American John
Rollins.
It was a tough day, though, for defending champion Watson
who was competing in his first event since winning the opening
major of the year at Augusta National 18 days ago.
HIGH-PROFILE GROUPING
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