Kurt Kitayama Navigates Rae’s Creek, Scores Sub-70 Despite Challenges
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Kurt Kitayama shot a 3-under 69 in the opening round Thursday at Augusta National. The score marked his second straight round in the 60s at the tournament.
Round overview
Kitayama’s final number masked a turbulent front nine. He recorded just six pars for the round.
The back nine produced only two of those pars. He played the second nine in even par while making four birdies.
Scoring details
- Birdies: Nos. 10, 13, 15 and 17.
- Bogeys: Nos. 11 and 14.
- Double bogey: the par-3 12th.
The 12th hole sequence
On the par-3 12th, Kitayama’s tee shot carried long. His chip ran through the green and into Rae’s Creek.
He took a drop and replayed the shot. The next play was a bump-and-run to about 17 feet, and he holed the putt.
Kitayama said he would laugh it off and that the shot choice was not ideal. He added he should have chosen a safer bump shot.
Context and leaders
Before this week, Kitayama averaged 75.6 in his first five rounds at Augusta National. He battled weather and the course to finish under par.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy shared the lead with Sam Burns at 5-under after the opening round.
Kitayama navigated Rae’s Creek and still finished sub-70 despite the challenges. His grit kept him in contention heading into Friday.
