On the links | Thursday’s other professional golf results

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON SHOOTOUT

NAPLES, FLA.

Matt Kuchar and Harris English are in first place with a 14-under 58 after the first round of the Franklin Templeton Shootout. Billy Horschel-Hunter Mahan and Graeme McDowell-Gary Woodland are tied for second with 59s at Tiburon Golf Club. Kuchar and English opened with an eagle on No. 1 and followed with three straight birdies. They had two birdies from Nos. 5-9 and three straight birdies from Nos. 13-15 on the back nine. They finished with an eagle on No. 17 and birdie on No. 18. Second-ranked Jason Day, who won last year’s event with Cameron Tringale, withdrew last week. Kuchar and English appeared to make a run at the tournament record of 55, set by Day and Tringale last year.

THAILAND CHAMPIONSHIP

CHONBURI, THAILAND

Jamie Donaldson of Wales enjoyed a sizzling opening round of 9-under-par 63 to take a three-stroke lead over three players including 2013 winner Sergio Garcia in the Thailand Championship. Donaldson, who hasn’t won in 16 months, birdied his first four holes and the last two at Amata Spring Country Club. Garcia, who lifted his 23rd career title in Vietnam last weekend, and locals Chinnarat Phadungsilp and Chanat Sakulpolphaisan were at 6 under. Garcia was on par after his second bogey on the 10th hole, then reeled off six birdies over the last eight holes. Chinnarat spoiled his round with a double bogey on the 15th hole.

Associated Press