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Canada's Adam Svensson leads Sony Open as notables struggle in Round 1

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty

PGA Tour rookie Adam Svensson fired a blistering 9-under 61 at the Sony Open on Thursday to hold a one-shot lead after Round 1.

His bogey-free performance at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii consisted of seven birdies and an eagle on the par-5 9th. He holds a lead for the first time in his young PGA Tour career.

The 25-year-old Canadian is making his sixth start as a full-time Tour member. He graduated to the main circuit after spending three years on the Web.com Tour, where he collected one win.

Andrew Putnam was the clubhouse leader until Svensson made his move. Putnam rode a hot putter to an 8-under opening round.

Matt Kuchar was one of the lone notable names to have a solid day Thursday. He sits alone in third, two back of Svensson. Justin Thomas is also in red numbers at 3-under after holing out for eagle on his final hole.

Jordan Spieth's disappointing 2018 carried into his first round of the new year. He shot a 3-over 73 and was let down by his flatstick once again, ranking 136th out of 144 golfers in strokes gained: putting.

Gary Woodland (1-over), Paul Casey (2-over), and Adam Scott (2-over) are other recognizable names who join Spieth in the bottom half of the leaderboard.

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