PARAMUS, N.J. (AP) With two perfect shots, Hunter Mahan put a terrible week at the PGA Championship behind him at The Barclays.
Playing in calm morning conditions at demanding Ridgewood Country Club, Mahan split the fairway with his opening drive, then watched his 98-yard sand wedge shot spin back into the hole for an unlikely eagle. Seventeen holes and eight birdies later, he signed for a 9-under 62, good for a four-stroke lead Thursday in the FedEx Cup playoff opener.
"I was surprised to shoot so low," Mahan said. "I didn't have any idea what was going to be a good score out here. ... It's definitely not that easy. It's perfect conditions. You've got great weather. The course is in perfect shape right now. Playing in the morning helped a lot. The greens were a little bit more receptive."