Kevin Streelman, Tom Whitney, and Rico Hoey all fired 5-under 67s in challenging windy conditions to share the first-round lead at the World Wide Technology Championship in Mexico on Thursday.
Streelman, who hasn’t won on the PGA Tour since 2014, made a strong start at the Tiger Woods-designed El Cardonal at Diamante, with an eagle and a birdie to kick off his round.
“It’s a tiring golf course, especially when it blows this hard out here,” said Streelman. “You have holes you need to take care of, with No. 1 being one of them. It’s kind of a downwind par 5, and 18 is a similar fashion. But then you turn into the wind.”
Whitney, who had a solid front nine, birdied the first three holes.
“Starting the day on this golf course you’re thinking, ‘I need to get it to 6, 7, 8,’” Whitney said. “Then the wind starts blowing and you kind of temper those expectations. I’m very pleased with 5 under.”
Defending champion Erik van Rooyen was one stroke back, posting a 68, alongside Taylor Montgomery, Max Greyserman, Nate Lashley, Austin Eckroat, Kelly Kraft, and Ryan McCormick.
“Completely different test than what we had last year,” said van Rooyen. “There was maybe one club of wind last year.”
Colombian Nico Echavarria, who won the Zozo Championship in Japan in his last start, opened with a 69.
“It was a good round, good start, bogey-free,” said Echavarria. “A lot of wind for the morning.”
