Mayakoba Classic Day One

Day one at the Mayakoba Classic in Mexico started on Thursday. The tournament, played opposite the Accenture World Match Play, creates a opportunity for veterans and rookies to bring home a big cheque. The big story of day one was Greg Norman; at least that is what the T.V. announcers would lead you to believe. Making a rare tour appearance at a course he designed, Norman got off to a quick start and was 3 under at one point, but finished at even for the day. Norman, who is in the spotlight more often for his romance with Chris Evert and a contentious divorce costing him $100 million, is still in great shape for a man 53 years old!

Newbie John Merrick (No...not the Elephant Man) fired a 6-under 66, marking the low round of the day. Tour veterans Larry Mize and Robert Damron, along with Irishmen Kenneth Ferrie carded matching 5-under 67's.

Bloated John Daly posted 4-under as did journeyman Brian Gay and rookie Tommy Gainey. I really enjoy these minor events on tour which allows veteran golfers a chance to get into a full field P.G.A. sanctioned event.

Andrew Magee (Golf Channel desk-man), Len Mattiace, Mark Brooks, John Huston and Lee Janzen, all non-exempt, were in the field. Promising Australian Nick Flanagan continued his poor play and crept in with a 77, Kent Jones 80 and long-but-wrong Bubba Watson posted 81, while last place James Driscoll shot 84. These players will have the weekend off and the prospect actually looks nice. The Gulf offers nice beaches, great restaurants and every brand of tequila known to mankind! Not a bad way to spend your weekend.

See you tomorrow golf fans.

-Andrew