Two are tied for lead in Tampa
Associated Press
PALM HARBOR, Fla.
Sergio Garcia is not thinking about winning, which is becoming tougher to do with each bogey-free round at the Transitions Championship.
Garrett Willis and Chris Couch were tied for the lead when another gorgeous day at Innisbrook ended. Willis had a 4-under 67 in the still of the morning to put his name atop the leaderboard for the second straight year — this time on a Friday, not a Thursday. Couch had a 64 in the afternoon as the breeze began to stir, making a par from the trees on the 18th to tie for the lead.
Even so, it was tough to ignore the name one stroke behind them.
Garcia is among the most talented players in golf, although his enthusiasm waned so much last year that he decided to take a 10-week break from competition. This is his first time playing in America in seven months.
The 31-year-old Spaniard looked moderately disgusted when birdie putts turned away. He produced a fist pump normally saved for a Sunday when he holed a chip for birdie from behind the 13th green.
About the only thing that went wrong in his round of 66 was when he felt something on the back of his cap as he walked off the 14th tee early in his round. Turns out it was a bee that stung him on his middle finger, although he got the stinger out and all was well.
A par save on the final hole felt even better.
“Just keep trying to do the right things and see what we finish,” he said. “I’m not worried about winning. I just want to keep building confidence into my head, and these rounds obviously help.”
Willis and Couch were at 9-under 133, one shot clear of Garcia and Webb Simpson, who had a 67 in the afternoon. Paul Casey had to settle for a 71 and was two shots behind.