Sluggish Players start for world's top ranked
- By Rex Hoggard
- May 10, 2012 7:23 PM ET

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – It was another slow start for the world’s top players this week, with just one of the top 5 in the World Golf Ranking breaking par on a breezy Day 1 in north Florida.
World No. 3 Lee Westwood finished at 1 under, although the Englishman endured an eventful card that featured just six pars.
No. 1 Rory McIlroy finished at even par after hitting into the water at the island-green 17th hole and was tied with No. 2 Luke Donald while No. 5 Hunter Mahan, the only two-time PGA Tour winner this season, struggled to a 2-over 74.
The top players started slowly last week at Quail Hollow as well, although McIlroy rallied to force a playoff with Rickie Fowler and D.A. Points.
No. 4 Bubba Watson skipped The Players Championship citing the need to spend more time with his family following his Masters victory.
Related Articles
G-Mac, Colsaerts makes quarters at Volvo
by Associated Press | May 18, 2013 9:48 AM ETRyder Cup-winning teammates Graeme McDowell, Nicolas Colsaerts and Francesco Molinari are through to the quarterfinals of the World Match Play Championship. Read More
Bradley maintains lead on Day 2 of Byron Nelson
by Associated Press | May 17, 2013 8:47 PM ETKeegan Bradley again bogeyed Nos. 1 and 18 in the second round of the HP Byron Nelson Championship. Unlike the first round, Bradley didn't set a course record. But he still finished with a three-strok... Read More
Only one Irish team to compete at World Cup
by Will Gray | May 17, 2013 7:52 PM ETDespite reports to the contrary, the PGA Tour confirmed Friday that Ireland and Northern Ireland will compete as one team at the World Cup later this year. Read More
Hoggard, a senior writer, covers the PGA Tour and appears on-air in several capacities.
Latest News
- LIVE STREAM: Watch Bradley at Byron Nelson
- SCORING: Nelson Day 3 | Volvo: G-Mac in semis
- Venturi dies at 82 | Twitter reaction | Photos
- Palmer, Nicklaus release statements on Venturi
- Bradley keeps Nelson lead | Rd. 2 at a glance
- Korda leads Mobile Bay through 36 | Scores
- McIlroy leaves agent, forms firm | Timeline
- Only one Irish team to compete at World Cup
- Howell hoping for U.S. Open berth via OWGR
- USGA to announce anchoring news Tuesday
- Video: Man drains amazing office putt down stairs
- Open qualifying: Men's local | Women's sectional
- Instruction: Improve your thought process








