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Watney leads American charge in first round of WGC-HSBC Champions
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Nick Watney shot a course record -8 (64) in the first round of the
WGC HSBC Champions event in Shanghai (AP/Eugene Hoshiko)
Nick Watney shot a course record -8 (64) on Sheshan International Golf Club to take the first round lead at the World Golf Championships HSBC Championship. Watney is one of thirteen American Tour players who made the trip to Shanghai, five of whom finished in the top-9 on Thursday.
After the long grind of the FedEx Cup season, many people questioned how many American golfers would make the trip to Shanghai. Watney said he wouldn't miss it for the world.
"The coolest thing about golf is being able to travel all around the world," Watney said. "And to get this opportunity to come here and then back to Hong Kong, I didn't think twice about it."
Watney didn't seem to have much to think about on Thursday, as he cruised to a 2-stroke lead and a course record at Sheshan International Golf Club. Watney was actually -9 after 13, and then finished with a streak of pars and 3-putt bogey on #18.
Watney played his round in relative peace and quiet, thanks to the fact that the majority of the crowds were following Tiger Woods. From the very get-go, the fans were out in force - and forcefully ignoring the rules. On the first hole Woods dropped his 3-wood in frustration as he completely misfired - thanks to a fan snapping photos of Woods' drive.
"The guy in the grandstand basically did almost a photo sequence," Woods said.
More frustrating for Woods was his overall lack of control, which he still managed to overcome with solid iron play and good putting to shoot a -5 (67). Tied with Woods in fifth place is Anthony Kim, who had to fight his way into the tournament, and didn't have time to play any practice rounds. The lack of experience on the course seems to have benefited Kim, possibly tempering his usual aggressiveness.
Phil Mickelson is also in Shanghai, tied for 13th at -3 after his first-round 69. Mickelson is committed to playing overseas for personal as well as professional reasons.
"We want to help grow the game here in China," said Mickelson. "We want to compete against the best players in the world. And to be able to win a world-class event in China would mean a lot to me and to all of the other players in the field."
Mickelson and the rest of the field have their work cut out for them, as Watney is right at home in Shanghai. The diet may be helping most.
"We actually went in to eat Texas barbecue," said Watney. "I felt a little bad about coming to China and eating Texas barbecue." But he doesn't feel bad about feasting on Sheshan International Golf Club's firm and true greens.
"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."
Play continues Friday, and coverage is delayed on the Golf Channel.
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