* Stanley and Levin post 10-under-par 62s
* Perplexed Mickelson labours to a 77
(Updates at end of round)
By Mark Lamport-Stokes
SAN DIEGO, Jan 26 (Reuters) – Kyle Stanley was one of
several players who took advantage of a picture postcard day on
the California coastline, charging into a share of the lead in
Thursday’s first round at the Farmers Insurance Open.
With hardly a breath of wind at a sun-splashed Torrey Pines,
the big-hitting American fired a sizzling 10-under-par 62 on the
North Course, one of two layouts hosting the fourth PGA Tour
event of the year.
Stanley, a PGA Tour rookie last year, recorded nine birdies,
one bogey and an eagle at the par-five last to finish level with
compatriot Spencer Levin, who also started out on the North
layout.
Bill Haas, last year’s FedExCup champion, opened with a 63
on the North while three-times winner and local fan favourite
Phil Mickelson was left shaking his head after battling to a
five-over 77 on the more difficult South Course.
“A round like today gives you confidence that you’re doing
the right things,” Stanley told reporters after hitting an
exquisite eight-iron from 173 yards to three feet to set up his
eagle at the 18th.
“I know it was a 62, but it was a pretty boring round of
golf. I hit a lot of greens and made a lot of putts.
Continued…
