Knox fires bogey-free 63 to take early lead at Safeway Open
Russell Knox started his 2020-21 season on the right foot Thursday after firing a 9-under 63 to take an early lead at the Safeway Open with Round 1 suspended due to darkness.
The two-time PGA Tour winner turned in a bogey-free performance at Silverado Resort North Course in Napa, California. He made seven birdies and an eagle to post a score one shot shy of his career low.
"It was a day where a lot of good things happened and definitely nice to get off to a good start," the Scot said. "I've struggled (in) first rounds for so long I feel like, so one of my main goals this season was to get off to a better start. I didn't quite expect this, but nice to shoot a good score."
Knox puts himself in contention to win for the first time since the 2016 Travelers Championship.
Sam Burns, Cameron Percy, and Bo Hoag lead the chase at 8-under. All three players shot their low rounds in the afternoon wave, which played slightly more difficult compared to the morning set of tee times.
Here's how the top of the leaderboard stands nearing the end of Day 1:
| Place | Player | To Par | R1 Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russell Knox | -9 | 63 |
| T2 | Sam Burns | -8 | 64 |
| T2 | Cameron Percy | -8 | 64 |
| T2 | Bo Hoag | -8 | 64 |
| T5 | Brendan Steele | -7 | 65 |
| T5 | Pat Perez | -7 | 65 |
| T7 | Tom Hoge | -6 | 66 |
| T7 | Scott Harrington | -6 | 66 |
| T7 | Akshay Bhatia | -6 | 66 |
| T7 | Andy Zhang | -6 | 66 |
Brendan Steele carded 65 for another solid round at Silverado. The 37-year-old won the Safeway Open in 2016 and 2017.
Akshay Bhatia, the 18-year-old who skipped college to turn pro after a remarkable junior career, shot his lowest round on the PGA Tour. His 66 puts him in a share for seventh.
Phil Mickelson shot 1-under in his first round after claiming a victory in his PGA Tour Champions debut.
Despite it being a new season, the same struggles continued for Jordan Spieth. He shot a 1-over 73 and only hit four of 14 fairways.
Round 2 of the Safeway Open begins at 10:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, with those who haven't finished their first rounds restarting at 10:30 a.m.