GOLF NOTES
CHARLOTTE – When his scorching, course-record 64 was complete yesterday, Kirk Triplett said, “I just felt like it was my day.”
That might end up being the understatement of the Wachovia Championship by tournament’s end at the Quail Hollow Country Club, a second-year PGA Tour venue that the players rave about.
It’s difficult to say when exactly Triplett felt it was his day en route to taking the first-round lead at 8-under.
It could have been when he holed out from 70 yards for eagle on No. 15, his sixth hole of the round (he started on 10). “That was exciting,” he said.
Or maybe it was his succession of birdies on Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9, where he drained a long bomb to close out his round in dramatic style.
Speaking of style, the 42-year-old Triplett is more known for the porkpie hat he wears than he is for winning tournaments (he’s won twice in his 15-year career).
“I started wearing it years ago for sun protection,” Triplett said. “The first couple of years on tour I became easily recognized. I got some endorsement deals and that’s continued. For me, it’s very functional. It’s a good hat.”
Asked if he wins a major championship, if he expects there might be a run on that type of lid, Triplett said, “No, I don’t expect a run on these anytime soon.”
It was unclear whether that meant he didn’t have a major in his bag or whether the hat is simply that out of style.
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Tiger Woods on Jackie Burke being named an assistant captain to Hal Sutton for the Ryder Cup team: “He will certainly bring a different zest and life to the party. Jackie has always been one for great stories. It will be fun to listen to him tell some stories.”
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Some notable scores: Defending champion David Toms shot a 3-over 75, Phil Mickelson a 2-under 70, Sergio Garcia a 1-over 73, Davis Love III a 1-over 73 and former Winged Foot assistant pro Michael Allen a 2-over 74.