Ponte Vedre, FL …
Scot Russell Knox found himself behind the 8-ball in posting five bogeys and a solitary birdie in a horror four-over par 76 on day one of the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.
Knox, who believes he has played the course over 75 occasions, recorded his only birdie at the par five, 11th while there was some satisfaction in recording a par at the island-green 17th where he had taken a ‘9’ on day three a year ago.
Last week’s Wells Fargo winner Brian Harman was the only player in the group whou could be pleased after the opening round of the Players Championship.
“I just played awful and that is what it basically comes down to,” he said.
“I didn’t drive the ball well and I was kind of behind the 8-ball from the outset and while I hit some decent iron shots I just struggled.
“I did hit some decent putts to save par and have bogey, and while I am in an awful positon if I can get off to a better start tomorrow and grab a few early birdies then who knows.
“I only made one birdie today and was a two-putt from 12-feet so I need to better than that”.
Knox will commence his second round at 1.08pm local time and sharing 123rd place in the now 144-player field following the withdrawal of Kevin Na who only played two holes.
