Red-hot Lee Hodges leads PGA Tour's 3M Open
Lee Hodges
Lee Hodges has a one-shot lead over the chasing pack after the opening round at the 3M Open.
Lee Hodges leads the 3M Open...
The American fired a sizzling eight under 63 around TPC Twin Cities in Minneapolis on Thursday, enough for a one stroke lead over former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, Brandt Snedeker, Kevin Streelman and Tyler Duncan.
Teeing off in the calm of the morning, Hodges enjoyed a fast start, rolling in birdies on the opening two par fours before making the turn at four under. He carded four more birdies coming home for a flawless round.
"To see that wedge shot go to an inch on the first hole and then make that 40-footer on the second hole, I was like, 'All right, here we go, might as well make a lot of birdies if we're gonna make a couple,'" Hodges told
pgatour.com.
Premium accuracy ?
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 27, 2023
Solo leader Lee Hodges was dialed in all day @3MOpen. pic.twitter.com/JoXjX8bogE
Also taking advantage of the morning conditions was Japanese star Matsuyama, who birdied four of his last five holes.
"It got really hot out there on the back nine," said the 2021 Masters winner.
"I'll relax this afternoon and hopefully get ready to play well again tomorrow."
Further down the field, defending champion Tony Finau started on the back nine and was five under after his opening four holes, but two bogeys coming home set him back.
"I didn't miss a shot for the first seven holes really," said the world number 19.
"That was a pretty hot start, it was a nice way to start my title defence this week and kind of calmed my nerves."
Former world number one Justin Thomas endured windy conditions in the afternoon to card a 69..
Recommended Offers
£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins
New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus
New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get £10 in Free Bets
New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
