Kevin Yu of Chinese Taipei fired an 8-under 64 on Wednesday to grab a first-round lead at the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego.
Playing at Torrey Pines’ North Course, Yu racked up eight birdies, five of which came on the back nine, where he began his round. His birdie at the par-5 ninth lifted him above Patrick Cantlay and Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune, who are tied for second after both shot 65s.
Cantlay went for birdie on four of his final five holes, while Hisatsune also peaked late, turning in a bogey-free back nine that featured four birdies.
Five golfers are two strokes back in a tie for fourth at 6-under 66. That group includes Hideki Matsuyama of Japan, Irishman Shane Lowry, Belgian Thomas Detry, England’s Aaron Rai and Alejandro Tosti of Argentina.
There is currently a 10-way tie for ninth.
Max Homa, the event’s defending champion, carded a 2-under 70 and finds himself in a tie for 48th. Homa played at the South Course.
–Field Level Media
