Las Vegas, Nevada (May 13, 2011)–Nick Watney broke through with an 8-under par 64 in the opening round of THE PLAYERS. Watney recorded 9 birdies and an eagle along the way to the early lead. Watney lives in the Las Vegas Golf Region and works with fellow Las Vegas Golf Region resident Butch Harmon at the Butch Harmon School of Golf at Las Vegas' Rio Secco Golf Club. Watney said a hot putter keyed his round. —By Brian Hurlburt.
"I think whenever I've shot a low round like that, you always make a few 15- or 20-footers that you don't make every day," Watney told the media. "The putter is just a great way to keep momentum if you happen to hit a loose shot or gain it with the birdie putts." After one round, Watney was one shot ahead of Lucas Glover.
"I think golf in general is really momentum," said Watney. "I mean, I made the double, and it was big for me because last week I was pretty much the opposite of Lucas last week in Charlotte. But just to not panic and make a few more birdies after that. It was nice to play a good round even with a mistake." Click for LIVE SCORING of THE PLAYERS.
Rio Secco Golf Club is Las Vegas is the home of the Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge, Riger Ham, and the WAC Golf Championships among other big events. Watney, himself, is a graduate of Fresno State University where his Uncle is the head coach. Fresno State competes in the WAC. Rio Secco is also the home of the world-famous T-Mates Female caddies. Click now for the official Rio Secco Golf Club website where you can meet a T-Mate.