nov22 USA leads world cup after round one
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Americans Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum silenced their critics when they fired a blistering 11-under-par 61 for the first round lead in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup on Thursday.
An inspired Weekley contributed six birdies and an eagle in the fourball format while childhood friend Slocum sank an eagle and a birdie at the Olazabal Course at Mission Hills Golf Club, on Thanksgiving Day.
Germany’s Alex Cejka and Martin Kaymer combined to shoot a flawless 10 birdies as their bid to emulate compatriots Bernhard Langer and Marcel Siem, winners of the World Cup last year, got off to flying start.
Pre-tournament favourites Justin Rose and Ian Poulter of England and South Africans Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman shot 63 each to be amongst those lying in a share of third place.
“This is like our Olympics, this is just a dream for me,” said Weekley, ranked 43rd in the world.
The American duo were late replacements for Arron Oberholser and Sean O’Hair and they seized the opportunity to represent the Stars and Stripes with both hands. The US have won the World Cup a record 23 times.
Weekley got the team off the mark with a birdie on the first hole before Slocum snared an eagle on the third, ramming home a 25-foot putt. They enjoyed a birdie binge before Weekley produced the shot of the day by holing out a six iron from 185 yards with a six iron.
“It was a really good day for us, I enjoyed watching Boo play today, I was cheering for him a lot,” said Slocum, who is ranked 70th in the world.
Weekley dismissed suggestions that the US had sent a weak team, where world number one and two, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, declined the opportunity to represent the team in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.
“I thought they sent the best team,” he smiled. “When I found out I was in, I nearly about cried probably just to be able to know that I can come over and represent the United States, it’s a plus for me. And then to be able to call one of my good friends up, Heath Slocum that I grew up with and asked him to come play with me, that’s even better.”
The Australian team of Nick O’Hern and Nathan Green finished day one in equal 18th following a round of 66 with New Zealand a shot further back in 23rd place.