Watney ties record 64; Tiger 3 shots off
SHANGHAI – Making the first of two trips to China this month, Nick Watney made an immediate impression Thursday in the HSBC Champions by tying the course record with an 8-under 64 to build a two-shot lead.
As hundreds of cameras inside and outside the ropes tagged along to see Tiger Woods open with a 67, Watney quietly went about his business on a sunny afternoon at Sheshan International Golf Club with an accidental eagle and four straight birdies.
He was 9 under through 13 holes until settling into a string of pars and ending his round with a three-putt bogey from the fringe.
“The greens are so good that if you hit a putt on line, it’s definitely going to go in,” Watney said. “I was putting very well. Just tried to give myself as many chances as possible, and I was able to make a few.”
Ryan Moore, who signed a new equipment deal Thursday, was in a group at 66 that included Shane Lowry of Ireland and Martin Kaymer of Germany, who is second in the Race to Dubai and facing a big week at this $7 million World Golf Championship.
Lin Wen-tang of Taiwan stirred the Chinese crowd with a 67, which left him tied with Woods, Anthony Kim and Paul Casey.
Still, it was Woods they came to see – and to photograph. (AP)
- Latest
- Trending
