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Matt Kuchar takes early lead at Northern Trust Open

Matt Kuchar birdied his first three holes on his way to an early lead at the Northern Trust Open.
(Harry How / Getty Images)
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Matt Kuchar shot a bogey-free morning round of seven-under 64 to seize the early lead at the Northern Trust Open.

Kuchar birdied his first three holes at Riviera on his way to a front-nine 31. He finished with seven birdies.

“I got off to a hot start today and was playing solid golf,” he said.

Kuchar holds a two-shot lead over Brandt Jobe, who shot two-under 69.

Things didn’t go as well for the morning marquee threesome of Phil Mickelson, Bill Haas and Keegan Bradley, who shot a collective one-under par. Haas, the defending champion, shot one-under 70 while Mickelson and Bradley both finished at par.

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Last year, the trio was a total of 21-under par and ended up in a playoff won by Haas.

“Had to fight to make pars and pretty fortunate to shoot even par,” Mickelson said after his round.

Mickelson’s group is set to return Friday with a 12:01 p.m. tee time on the first hole.

Thursday was a good day for 53-year old Fred Couples, who shot three-under 68.

“I can figure my way around this course,” said Couples, a two-time Northern Trust Open winner.

Couple’s playing partner, Lee Westwood, also shot three-under. Bubba Watson, the reigning Masters champion and third man in the grouping, lagged well behind at six-over 77. He is currently tied for 119th in the 144-player field.

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