Hero World Challenge: Cameron Young leads by two shots at Tiger Woods’ event
American Cameron Young leads by two strokes in the opening round of Tiger Woods’ Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.
The 27-year-old Young shot a bogey-free 8 under in Albany on Thursday to move ahead of compatriot Justin Thomas, who birdied four of his final five holes.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler with Akshay Bhatia, Patrick Cantlay, Sahith Theegala and Sweden Along with Ludvig Aberg, he was three strokes behind Young at 5 under.
Host Woods, a 15-time major champion, was forced to miss the unofficial event featuring 20 of the world’s top players and was expected to receive an exemption.
Woods, 48, gave no reason for his absence but has maintained a limited playing schedule over the years due to multiple injuries.
Scotland’s Robert McIntyre opened with a 68 and was tied for eighth, four strokes behind the leader and level with the American trio of Keegan Bradley, Sam Burns and Nick Dunlap. .
Meanwhile, England’s Aaron Rai is three strokes back at 1 under.
Young, ranked 38th in the world and named the 2022 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year but has yet to win a PGA title, made eight birdie putts to dominate the invitational.
“It’s good to be able to come out and feel like yourself,” Young said.
“I’m really happy. I felt really comfortable with the driver, which is a big key here. I’m sure I missed a fairway or two, but for the most part I was in good position . Then I made a few putts early, which was good.”
