HONOLULU — K.J. Choi is accustomed to starting strong at the Sony Open, closing with a birdie for a 6-under-par 64 on Thursday that gave him a one-shot lead and his sixth consecutive opening round in the 60s at Waialae Country Club.
Jimmy Walker usually expects the worst when he comes to these shores.
The former Nationwide Tour player of the year suffered a serious neck injury at the Sony Open in his rookie debut three years ago.
Walker returned the next year and shot 80. A reluctant return to the tour helped erase some bad vibes, as Walker was among three players at 65 on a day of low scoring and no wind.
As the first round headed for a conclusion, half of the 144-man field was under par.
That Choi was atop the leaderboard was no surprise. He also opened with a 64 last year and finished in a tie for fourth. It was a continuation from last week at the winners-only Mercedes-Benz Championship, at which Choi was in last place until closing 69-69.
“I’m getting back to my rhythm,” he said.
Heath Slocum and Stephen Marino joined Walker at 65. The group at 66 included Mercedes winner Daniel Chopra, Chad Campbell and Rory Sabbatini.
Tadd Fujikawa, meanwhile, was headed for a short week.
One year after he became the youngest player (16) in 50 years to make the cut on the PGA Tour, Fujikawa never recovered from a double bogey on the second hole. He didn’t make birdie until No. 12 and finished at 74, leaving him a longshot to earn his first paycheck since turning pro last summer.
“I had a rough day,” Fujikawa said. “I’ve got to shoot a good round (today) to make the cut. I think I can do it. Anything is possible.”
