
Anthony Kim set a course record during the first round at the AT&T National tournament. He shot a 62...8 under par to set the early pace and prove that he is ready to defend his title. Tiger lovers shouldn't be worried though. Woods is hot on his heels shooting a 64 where he shares second place with Bryce Molder and D.A. Points.
Kim has not won a tournament since last year's victory in the AT&T National Tournament. He has been plagued by a left thumb issue that had more than one doctor recommending he take 4 to 6 weeks away from the game. Kim refused to take the advice and decided to play in the tournament anyway.
"I can't help myself. I've got to come out here," Kim said on Thursday. "This has been a dream of mine to play on the PGA Tour, and I wasn't going to sit. ... I'm out here to get better. There's something that I can get better at every time I step out onto the golf course. ... I'm sure those doctors are a lot smarter than I am. But ... athletes and pros play through pain and play through injuries. There was no doubt in my mind I was going to come out here, learn something along the way and keep grinding away."
The decision to play through the pain has paid off so far. Kim birdied 8 out of his last 13 holes and is currently two shots ahead of Tiger Woods. Woods missed only two fairways and three greens, shooting his lowest round since the 2007 Tour Championship.
Jim Furyk is currently tied for 6th place shooting a 66, and Lucas Glover is tied for 20th shooting a 69. TIger Woods tees off tomorrow at 8:12am. Anthony Kim and Jim Furyk tee off in the early afternoon at 12:50pm.
For more information on the AT&T National Tournament, visit www.attnational.org. For coverage on the Earl Woods Pro Am, visit www.examiner.com/x-9548-DC-Golf-Examiner~y2009m7d2-Tony-Romo-tees-off-in-Redskins-Country.