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By Christopher Powers
It’s not been a very good last year and change for Grayson Murray, who played in just 14 events last season due to a back injury. In those 14 starts he made only five cuts and withdrew three other times. Despite being back to full health, he picked up where he left off when he returned this fall at the Greenbrier, where he tied for 36th. He then missed his next three cuts, and followed that up with a WD at the Houston Open after shooting a first-round 79.
But all it takes is one good round to erase the bad vibes, and that’s what Murray got on Thursday at the American Express. Playing on PGA West’s Stadium Course, the most difficult the players will face this week, Murray went nuclear, making nine birdies and just one bogey for an eight-under 64. Through one round he’s tied for the lead with Zac Blair, whose 64 came at La Quinta Country Club.
Rickie Fowler, the pre-tournament favorite, shot a seven-under 65 at La Quinta, which has him tied with Hank Lebioda and Scottie Scheffler at seven under. Scheffler also played La Quinta on Thursday, while Lebioda played the Nicklaus Tournament Course.
Tyler Duncan, who won the RSM Classic in November, shot a six-under 66 on the Nicklaus Tournament Course. He’s among a large group tied for sixth that also includes two-time tour winner Russell Knox. Phil Mickelson finished with a two-under 70 at La Quinta and sits six back.
