Hoag Classic Round 1

Date
Fri 27th March 2026 (UTC)
Fri 27th March 2026 (Local)

Timestamp
2026-03-27T16:15:00

Time

16:15:00 UTC (09:15:00 Local)

Poster

Your Rating (Click a star below)

Star off icon

Total Rating
(0 users)

Thumb

Square Poster

League
PGA Tour Champions

Season
2026

Round
5

Status
Match Finished

Location
Newport Country Club

Video Highlights

Event Statistics

Description

The 2026 Hoag Classic commenced at the Newport Beach Country Club, a coastal William Bell and Sons design known for its narrow fairways and tricky poa annua greens. The primary challenge for the field of legends was managing the soft morning conditions, which allowed for aggressive play but required precise distance control to avoid the heavy bunkers protecting the par-71 layout. For the 78-player field, the objective was to secure a low opening score in this 54-hole sprint, where a slow start often proves insurmountable.

Strategically, the first round focused on the scorable par-5s, particularly the 3rd and 15th holes. The objective for the veterans was to take advantage of the lack of wind in the early groupings before the afternoon sea breeze typically stiffens. With the pins placed in relatively accessible "Friday positions," the tactical priority was hitting greens in regulation to set up birdie opportunities. As the legends navigated the 6,756-yard course, the goal for leaders was to post a mid-60s score to stay within striking distance of the "hometown" favorites who historically perform well in Orange County.

Reports

Result List

Result Description

Paul Goydos stole the show in the opening round, carding a magnificent bogey-free 9-under 62 to take a one-stroke lead. Playing just miles from his hometown of Long Beach, Goydos appeared completely at ease, reeling off nine birdies in a display of clinical putting. His 62 matched the competitive course record in relation to par, putting him in a prime position to end a nearly nine-year title drought on the PGA Tour Champions.

The chasing pack is led by Zach Johnson and Brian Gay, who both posted impressive 8-under 63s to sit just one shot back. Johnson, who turned 50 in February, continued his strong debut season on the senior circuit with a round highlighted by five consecutive birdies on the back nine. Sweden's Freddie Jacobson and New Zealand's Steven Alker share fourth place at 7-under 64, while a large group at 6-under 65 includes David Duval, Bo Van Pelt, and Thongchai Jaidee. Defending champion Miguel Ángel Jiménez opened with a steady 1-under 70, leaving him with significant work to do over the weekend.

Collections
None found...

Popular Tweets

Fanart
No Fanart thumb