Cromwell, Connecticut — Two hours of trekking from a brutal US open test at a country club outside Boston last week, this week's Travelers Championship, Thursday's opening round I felt like a spa day.
"It's like anti-US. Open here."Rory McIlroyshoots a par 8 under 62, then J.T. Poston. "It's like the US Open rehabilitation is here. You say," Oh, I can actually make some birdies. "
" This is great. The US Open. I like to come here the next week. It's like shooting a low score and giving you the opportunity to chase it. I like it. "
Who do you hate?
Xander Schauffele and Martin Laird made a one-shot back with 7 under pars after issuing a 63-second card. Charles Howell III, Patrick Cantlay and Webb Simpson are back with 6 unders.
Schauffele was still noisy after rounding about hitting all 18 greens in regulation, saying he couldn't remember doing it except "probably on the par 3 course".
"I think it's just forgiveness Schauffele talked about gettable TPC River Highland with lots of risk and reward holes. "After playing the National Open, you beat yourself all week and hit a bad shot on a day like today, so the ball may stay on the green and not roll to ankle-height rough. Yes, I think I'm a little more tolerant mentally. "
Schauffele added," I'm not too noisy, so I always take 63, "and thought he might be able to post. .. Even lower round.
"Today I think there was enough putt to shoot something in the 50's," he said. "I didn't actually make a long putt, so it was a testament to how well I hit it."
Indeed, it was a stress-free day for most players. .. The exceptions are the 2017 Travelers winner Jordan Spieth, who made four round penalty strokes and struggled beyond par 75, and Jason Day shot 74.
McIlroy finished fifth in Thailand At the US Open, he said he went home to Florida overnight in his bed before flying to Connecticut.
"I never hit a golf ball on Monday and Tuesday," McIlroy said. "I feel like I've played well at Brookline. I'll never lose it in two days. I knew my game was good. Whenever I start at 62, I'll take it. Fourth time. PGA Tour Event. Gotterup finished his first US Open experience last week and will make a cut at a powerful show.
