Ireland’s Seamus Power sits a shot off the lead after the opening round of the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational, as world No 1 Scottie Scheffler also made a strong start
Power recovered from an early bogey to register four birdies in a three-under 69 at Torrey Pines, leaving him a shot behind first-round leader Denny McCarthy.
McCarthy produced a birdie-eagle finish to post an opening-round 68 and set the pace, following a 25-foot birdie at the 17th by firing a brilliant three-wood into the par-five last and set up a closing eagle.
Patrick Rodgers joins Power in tied-second, while world No 1 Scheffler is within two of the lead despite missing a four-foot birdie chance on the final hole of his two-under 70.
Rory McIlroy – coming off a victory at Pebble Beach two weeks ago – had two birdies and two bogeys in his steady round of even-par 72, while Collin Morikawa, Shane Lowry and Justin Thomas were in the large group at 73.
Rory McIlroy is chasing back-to-back victories on the PGA Tour
Scheffler had four birdies in seven holes but failed to take advantage of the par fives coming in, with the two-time major champion playing the rest of his round in two over to fall two behind.
Harris English won at Torrey Pines three weeks ago at eight under but opened with a 75, while Rasmus Hojgaard (82) and Adam Hadwin (83) both failed to break 80.
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