By Christopher Powers
Judging by his overall record, you’d assume Joaquin Niemann didn’t have the best debut at the Presidents Cup. He went 0-3-1, earning his only half point in a foursomes match alongside Byeong Hun An and losing his singles match to Patrick Cantlay, 3 and 2.

 Although he didn’t play his best, the 21-year-old still used it as a learning experience.

“I think the Presidents Cup was huge for me, for my career, for my future,” said Niemann, who opened with a seven-under 66 at the Sentry Tournament of Champions, which he qualified for via his victory at The Greenbrier in September. “I think during that week [at the Presidents Cup] I learned a lot, I was with the best players in the world, I was teammates with Adam Scott. I talked a lot with them. It was an unbelievable week. Ernie [Els] told me it was really important for you, it’s going to make you really good, it’s going to give you a lot of experience, confidence for the future. So that week was really special for me. I can’t wait for next time. “

It certainly helped him on Thursday at Kapalua, where Niemann hit every green but one in regulation and went bogey-free for the 14th time in his PGA Tour career.

“During the practice round I knew it was going to be tough, there was a lot of wind, on Tuesday especially. Today wasn’t that windy, I played great, made a lot of putts. It was my day.”

Niemann leads by one over Justin Thomas, who won this event in 2017 by three strokes over Hideki Matsuyama. Thomas, who has finished T-17 or better in each of his last 10 worldwide starts, shot a six-under, bogey-free 67.

Rickie Fowler and Matt Kuchar are two back and tied for third. Matthew Wolff, Jon Rahm and Patrick Cantlay are among a group at four under.