Charley Hoffman was just three holes Thursday from holding at least a share of the first-round lead at a major championship for the second time this year.
But after pulling into a tie for the top spot at the British Open with three other Americans — Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka and Matt Kuchar — with birdies at the 14th and 15th holes, Hoffman bogeyed his next two holes. The San Diego native and Poway High grad wound up with a 3-under 67 and was tied for sixth, two shots behind the leaders.
In April, Hoffman led the Masters after a spectacular 7-under 65 in the first round. He maintained a share of the lead despite a second-round 75 but faded beginning late in the third round and wound up in a tie for 22nd.
His score Thursday was the best of a contingent of five San Diego golfers playing this week at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England.
Xander Schauffele (Scripps Ranch High/SDSU), who only qualified for the tournament two weeks ago when he won his first PGA Tour event, was the other San Diegan to break par. He was 3-under after 5 holes, slid to 1-over after 13 but made birdies at 16 and 17 to finish at 1-under.
Jamie Lovemark (Torrey Pines High) was 1-under at the turn but a 2-over back nine left him at 1-over 71, six shots off the lead. He was two shots ahead of Phil Mickelson (USD High) and three ahead of fellow Torrey Pines alum Pat Perez.
All the local players except Perez have early tee times for the second round, ranging from 10:57 p.m. Thursday night (San Diego time) for Lovemark to 2:42 a.m. for Schauffele. Perez will play Friday afternoon in England (6:37 a.m. PT).
Golf Channel’s coverage begins at 10:30 tonight and continues through the round’s conclusion at about 1 p.m. Friday.
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