Justin Thomas shot a three-under 68 in the first round of the Valspar Championship, the last leg of the PGA Tour’s Florida swing.
A three-under front nine was followed by a birdie and bogey on the back to leave the 30-year-old tied for 14th spot.
Kevin Streelman leads the way after posting a seven-under 64, although the American recorded a one-over 72 in his second round.
For Thomas, the Palm Harbour visit will be considered excellent practice ahead of The Masters at Augusta at the start of April.
Ahead of the year’s first and arguably most important major, the media focus is firmly fixed on what could happen at Augusta.
After his first round at Innisbrook, Thomas was questioned about the change to the par-5 13th.
Justin Thomas drops verdict on Augusta’s par five 13th
The Masters announced last March that changes had been made to the tee box on the last hole of Amen Corner. In a statement, they wrote: ” To address that concern and ‘put more club in the hands of the players for their second shots,’ the No. 13 updates involved changes to the tee box.
“While it is the same width and length as before, the tee sits approximately eight feet higher, and 35 yards have been added to the hole (545 yards on the scorecard). The potential for a player to take a drive over the left corner of the dogleg has been reduced.”
In response, Thomas admitted that the changes suit his game well.
“Personally, I like it because I didn’t play the hole very well before,” he said [footage from Ten Golf].
“It was an uncomfortable yardage for me off the tee. It’s better for my selfish reasons, in terms of yardage.
“I think it’s a hole where you’ll see fewer big numbers and fewer threes. But now you really really have to hit a quality long iron or wood as opposed to a seven or eight.”
Did Augusta need to change the 13th hole?
Historically, the final leg of Amen Corner has been the easiest hole on the course; however, after the adjustment last year, the 13th was ranked as the hardest of all the par fives on the course.
It’s a good move.
Modern-day golf is littered with players who can regularly carry well over 350 yards. Too often, the likes of Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy approach the green with a short iron; a tougher test is certainly required.
As the best players break new barriers, it’s essential that the world’s best course also raise the bar.
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