Brendan Steele began his title defense of the Safeway Open in ideal position as he grabbed a share of the first-round lead with a seven-under-par 65 on Thursday in Napa, California in the opening tournament of the 2017-18 season. Steele won the title last year with a one-stroke triumph and his return was spurred by an eagle at the par-five fifth hole in a round where he made just one bogey.
(Reuters) – Brendan Steele began his title defense of the Safeway Open in ideal position as he grabbed a share of the first-round lead with a seven-under-par 65 on Thursday in Napa, California in the opening tournament of the 2017-18 season. Steele won the title last year with a one-stroke triumph and his return was spurred by an eagle at the par-five fifth hole in a round where he made just one bogey.
&rdquo-A little bit of everything worked for me today,&ldquo- Steele told reporters. &rdquo-I had a really good ball-striking day. I don&rsquo-t think I missed a green, so that really helps.
&ldquo-And then I had a good putting day as well, so you put that together and it&rsquo-s going to be pretty good.&rdquo-
Tom Hoge and Tyler Duncan also shot seven-under 65s to create a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard on the North Course at Silverado Resort and Spa.
Hoge, who made six birdies during an eight-hole stretch, recently earned his PGA Tour playing privileges by climbing into the top 25 of the Web.com Tour at that circuit&rsquo-s season finale.
&ldquo-I played really well the whole day,&rdquo- Hoge told the Napa Valley Register. &ldquo-I was in a lot of the fairways, a lot of greens and then made a few putts. I just took advantage of some opportunities.&rdquo-
Four players are at five-under including Lucas Glover and Argentina&rsquo-s Emiliano Grillo.
Zach Johnson, Kevin Tway, Ryan Moore and Maverick McNealy share eighth place at four-under-par-68.
Phil Mickelson shot a 69 and is one of 12 players tied for 12th.
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