LA QUINTA, Calif. – The birdie bonanza on the PGA Tour continues this week at the American Express.
First it was Cameron Smith lighting up Kapalua’s Plantation Course to the tune of a 72-hole Tour record 34-under 258 in Maui at the Sentry Tournament of Champions followed by Hideki Matsuyama shooting 63-63 last weekend to win the Sony Open in Hawaii. This week the Tour returns to the mainland, playing over three courses – PGA West’s Stadium and Nicklaus Course and – and it’s another birdiefest.
“Welcome to the new normal,” said Patrick Cantlay, who started his first round at La Quinta by playing 7 under in his first seven holes before closing with five straight pars to shoot a 62 to tie for the lead. “You’ll have to get into the 20s (under par) to have a chance to win.”
