Taylor Leads The Way In Las Vegas

Nick Taylor leads the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas by one shot after an impressive first-round eight-under-par 63. The 31-year-old Canadian started at the 10th hole and hit the turn at 30 thanks to four birdies and an eagle at the 15th.

Taylor picked up further shots at the fourth and ninth holes to hand him the outright lead ahead of American Brian Harman, who hit four consecutive birdies in a bogey-free 64. Veteran Phil Mickelson is another shot further back in a group of five players on 65 after he recovered from a bogey at his first hole on the 10th to fire in seven birdies.

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Speaking after his round, Mickelson, who missed the cut at last week’s Safeway Open, said: “I felt like I just needed to make a subtle fix here or there from last week. The par-five play was poor, but I played today’s par-fives in three under and shot a good round. That was a pretty easy fix. “After the bogey on the first hole I played some really good golf.

I kept ball in play and hit a lot of fairways. Right now my iron play is really good, and if I continue to give myself chances from the fairways I’m going to hit it close enough to make birdies. “I’m excited to play some good golf again. I’ve had an awful six months on and off the course, but things are great now and I’m excited to play good golf.

It takes a lot less energy, stress to perform well.” Meanwhile, world number one Brooks Koepka, making his first competitive outing since losing out to Rory McIlroy at the Tour Championship in August, required two late birdies to pick up a 70 which leaves him in a tie for 85th place and seven shots off the pace.