Tim Petrovic, from the USA, reacts to a missed birdie putt on the 17th hole during first round play at the Canadian Open golf championship Thursday, July 24, 2014, at Royal Montreal golf club in Montreal.
Michael Putnam, of the United States, reacts after missing a birdie putt on the 18th hole during first-round play at the Canadian Open golf championship on Thursday, July 24, 2014, in Montreal.MONTREAL – Tim Petrovic and Michael Putnam shared the first-round lead in the Canadian Open on Thursday, shooting 6-under 64 in sunny, breezy afternoon conditions at rain-softened Royal Montreal.
The 47-year-old Petrovic was the last player to get in the field, grabbing a spot when Benjamin Alvarado withdrew.
“I didn’t set my expectations high because I got in late, so this was kind of my practice round,” Petrovic said. “I walked the back nine (Wednesday).
Petrovic eagled the par-5 12th hole and had four birdies in his bogey-free round. He won his lone PGA Tour title in New Orleans in 2005.
“I was just trying to hit fairways and greens, trying to see the golf course and see if I could make a few putts,” Petrovic said. “I drove the ball pretty good overall.”