Jon Rahm (Surprise) Shoots 65 for Early Lead at Arnold Palmer Invitational
ORLANDO, Fla. – The reign of Rahm continued—at least for one day at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Jon Rahm, who has already won three of his five starts in 2003, got off to a fast start at the Bay Hill Club on Thursday, birdieing his first three holes, then played his next 12 in even par before an eagle-birdie-birdie finish saw him shoot 7-under-par 65.
That was good for a two-shot lead over Chris Kirk, coming off a victory Sunday at the Honda Classic, Cam Young and Kirk Kitayama.
"I took advantage of the good swings," said Rahm, who had short birdie putts at the second and 17th holes and rolled in a 25-footer for an eagle at the 16th. "I can say the two shots on 2 and 17, to have a combined 6 feet in those two holes, it just doesn't happen. I hit two really good shots and landed in a very precise spot. We're playing with some really small margins today and took advantage of those.
"I did have a lot of good looks for birdie. I played really good golf today and I took advantage of the three or four missed opportunities, missed fairways and greens really, really well. Except on 8 (his only bogey). But even if I didn't make many birdies in between it was a good round of golf."
Rahm, who is ranked No. 1 in the world (No. 1 SIWGR), has been on an amazing run. He won his last start at the Genesis Invitational, adding to victories earlier this year at the Sentry Tournament of Champions and the American Express Championship.
Since the Tour Championship in late August, Rahm has played 10 worldwide events, with five victories and no finish worse than a tie for eighth.
Kirk is coming off his first win since 2015 and still reveling in the victory. He said Thursday’s first round came quickly after an emotional win.
"After a little bit of a crazy beginning to the week after winning the Honda last week, definitely that 5:30 alarm came really early this morning," said Kirk, who made seven birdies and two bogeys. “But I was excited. I felt a little bit like a zombie this morning, but can't really take away from the excitement that I have playing this event every year.
"I talked about it some the last few days, the personal relationship I had with Mr. Palmer, and I just have always loved this golf tournament. He was a big influence and somebody that I really looked up to, and so this tournament is something. Because of that and also because of that I've played pretty well here over the years makes it a really special week and a week that I look forward to."
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler shot 68 and is in a tie for fifth with seven other players, including Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler.
Rory McIlroy, who won the tournament in 2018, shot 73.