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It’s not even March yet, but K.J. Choi is already poised to become a multiple winner on the 2008 PGA Tour slate. Choi, who won the Sony Open in January, fired a 6-under par 65 Thursday during the first round of the Northern Trust Open to open a one-stroke lead at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades. Also lurking is Phil Mickelson, who is three strokes back after shooting a 68. The world’s No. 2 player nearly won at Riviera last year but faltered in a playoff against Charles Howell III. Should Mickelson win this week, he would join a select group of players with titles in all four full-field California PGA Tour events: those would be the Buick Invitational, the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, and the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in addition to the Northern Trust. “I love playing the West Coast. This is the tournament that’s eluded me,” said the San Diego resident. One shot off Choi’s pace is Kevin Na, who posted a 66 in the first round. After beginning with nine straight pars on Riviera’s treacherous back side, he moved to the front and headed home with five birdies. Na, a Diamond Bar resident, already stands 15th on the 2008 money list despite returning to a flooded home in December and struggling with the effects of LASIK surgery into this season. “Last week was the first week I was able to see somewhat decent,” he said of his vision. “It hurts the most when you’re chipping and putting.” Other notables include Orange’s Hunter Mahan, who is tied with Mickelson after tallying a 68 of his own, and San Diego’s Pat Perez, who shot 69. For full scores and statistics, be sure to check out pgatour.com. Check southlandgolfmagazine.com for daily recaps of the Northern Trust Open, the last California event on the West Coast Swing. |
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