WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — After needing only 22 putts to complete his 6-under round, Jonas Blixt let slip a giggle before offering an in-depth explanation of his stellar play at the Greenbrier Classic.
“I guess I’ve got some kind of mojo going.”
The defending champion played aggressively in burying eight birdies on his way to a 64 Thursday—a score that trumped any of his round during the 2013 event.
MORE: Full Greenbrier leaderboard
With a group of eight contenders lurking one shot back, Blixt hasn’t got much cushion, but he looked supremely comfortable navigating the Old White TPC.
“I think it sets up quite a bit like the golf course I grew up on,” he said. “It makes me feel like I’m at home, like I’ve been playing this golf course a long time.
“I feel like I need to make a lot of birdies this week, and I’m going to try to stay real aggressive.”
The deep group at 5-under included New Zealander Danny Lee and a six-pack of Americans comprised of Chris Kirk, D.A. Points, Jason Bohn, Patrick Rodgers, Jim Renner, James Hahn and Joe Durant.
“When I had putts inside of 10 or 12 feet, I made them,” said Points, ranked 136th in the world. “I hit a couple of loose tee shots, but I was able to save them.”
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Rodgers only turned professional two weeks ago, yet finds himself in the thick of the Greenbrier hunt thanks to a sponsor’s exemption. After starting on the 10th hole, he shot 4-under 30 on the second nine bolstered by a 118-yard eagle wedge on No. 1.
“I placed the ball where I needed to and was able to get on a good run on the back nine,” said Rodgers.
Among another eight golfers looming at 4-under 66, Michael Thompson celebrated his first bogey-free round of the year by going off-roading at the resort’s mountainous trails.
“It’s a great golf course in a great part of the country—really beautiful this time of year,” Thompson said. “You can’t help but get excited to go play some golf.”
Kevin Na and Steve Stricker (-4), Davis Love III and Keegan Bradley (3-), and Bubba Watson and John Daly (-2) were among the notables who enjoyed solid openers. But Jimmy Walker, Scott Stallings and Ted Potter Jr. settled for par rounds.