Chris Gotterup opened the Sony Open with a sharp 63, putting himself in a strong position right from the start. As he chases his third PGA Tour title, Gotterup heads into the second round just one shot off the pace.
Chris Gotterup opened the Sony Open with a sharp 63, putting himself in a strong position right from the start.
As he chases his third PGA Tour title, Gotterup heads into the second round just one shot off the pace.
There were even suggestions that Gotterup was unlucky to miss out on a place at Bethpage Black for last September’s US Ryder Cup team.
Back in July, he was in top form, winning the Scottish Open and finishing third at The Open Championship.
How a relocation boosted Chris Gotterup’s opening 63 at the Sony Open
He carded a low round in Hawaii on Thursday. And Gotterup explained why he feels more prepared this season than ever before.
The American said: “Yeah, I made a move this offseason down to Florida for hopefully reasons like this.”
“Feel like my game is in better shape just because I’ve been putting in more work at home.
“Yeah, it’s been – me and my caddie were joking that playing TGL the last couple weeks has definitely helped me get ready for feeling some juice, and then playing in Grant Thornton and the Bahamas.”
“I’ve played a decent amount the last couple weeks and months. Yeah, I feel like I’m in a pretty good spot.”
A strong start to the week, but three more rounds of consistent golf will be needed if he’s to add another title to his growing CV.
Chris Gotterup reveals why he made the move from Oklahoma to Florida
Speaking to reporters, Gotterup explained what led him to leave Oklahoma for Florida. “You know, I felt like the last couple years I started the tournaments really rough out of the gate,” he admitted.
“I loved living in Oklahoma, but 40 degrees and 40 mile an hour winds in December is not ideal for coming to Palm Springs or Hawaii.
“So I just figured that was the smart move to make. One round through it looks good.
“Yeah, it’s tough leaving a place you call home for a little while. Yeah, got a new home now.”
The weather in Florida gives players a chance to practice all year round without any real interruptions and it seems like Chris Gotterup has already seen the benefits since moving from Oklahoma.
Category: General Sports
