Quick hits from Thursday at the CIMB Classic
Top quote - Xander Schauffele
"I was supposed to make a list of goals before I came out here and I failed to do so, which might be a good thing." the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year told Golf Channel after his opening-round 65.
Best round - Cameron Smith
Smith earned the first-round lead with a blemish-free 64, carding eight birdies and 10 pars in his round. The 24-year-old Aussie won his first PGA Tour title at the Zurich Classic with Jonas Blixt, but has made just three cuts since hoisting the trophy in April.
| Stat | Round 1 |
|---|---|
| Fairways hit | 12/14 |
| Greens hit | 16/18 |
| Putts per GIR | 1.5 |
Shot of the day - Kevin Na
After back-to-back birdies at Nos. 14 and 15, Na holed out for eagle at the short par-4 16th en route a 6-under-par 66.
Biggest disappointment - Graham DeLaet
The Canuck registered a great result last week at the Safeway Open, finishing in a tie for fifth, but struggled on Day 1 in Malaysia. DeLaet stumbled to a front-nine 40 en route to a 5-over-par 77, and sits in a tie for 72nd place.
Stat - Perfect for Brendan Steele
Last week's winner found all 18 greens in regulation, and has missed just 15 greens in five competitive rounds this season.
Friday's storyline
- Justin Thomas looks to rebound from a mediocre first-round 70 at TPC Kuala Lumpur. The PGA Tour Player of the Year is the defending champion and seeking to win the event for the third year in a row, but is six shots back.