Tony Finau opened with a 64 at Colonial Country Club and will take a one-shot lead into Friday’s second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge.
The 29-year old Utah native offset one bogey with seven birdies, including a hat trick on Nos. 11-13 to secure the day’s low round of 6-under 64.
“I played nicely. It’s nice when you’re making putts,” said Finau.
“The game seems to come to you. Happy just the way I finished. I was able to save par there on 16. That was big to keep some momentum.
“Had a couple decent looks: 18 about 30 feet; 35 feet on 17. Happy to just bring it in without a bogey.”
One further back was local favorite Jordan Spieth, who overcame double-bogey with a field-best eight birdies en route to a 5-under 65, good for T2 alongside Canadian Roger Sloan.
“A few under when the wind blows out here is a really nice score,” said Spieth.
“It’s tough to hit fairways and hold the fairways. Certainly pleased.”
Nine more players were tied for fourth-place at 3-under par, headlined by former PGA winners Jason Dufner and Jimmy Walker.
Defending champion Justin Rose struggled to a 4-over 74 and will have work to do on Friday to make the weekend, as will Jon Rahm who shot 75.
Charles Schwab Challenge
Leaderboard: Top 5
1. Tony Finau -6 (64)
2. Jordan Spieth -5 (65)
2. Roger Sloan -5 (65)
4. Jason Dufner -3 (67)
4. Jimmy Walker -3 (67)
4. Chesson Hadley -3 (67)
4. Scott Brown -3 (67)
4. Peter Uihlein -3 (67)
4. Trey Mullinax -3 (67)
4. Nick Watney -3 (67)
4. Jonas Blixt -3 (67)
4. J.J. Henry -3 (67)
Stat Leaders
Driving: Cameron Champ (343.5 yards)
Fairways: Keith Clearwater (13/14, 92.9%)
Greens: Tony Finau (16/18, 88.9%)
Putts/GIR: Jordan Spieth (1.364)
Birdies: Jordan Spieth (8)
Pars: Seamus Power (17)
Bogeys: Tucker Wadkins (9)
Doubles: Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm (2)
Video: Round-One Highlights
A look at the highlights from day one at Colonial Country Club for the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge.
Quotable
“Certainly could use hitting a few more fairways and a few more greens around Colonial the rest of the week, but the putter blade is sharp and I was able to save my pars and capitalize on a couple long ones.”
– Jordan Spieth
