Walker's happy hunting ground

Jimmy Walker, who notched his second career US PGA Tour win in Hawaii, could be on track for another success on the island state after taking a two-shot lead after the first round of the SBS Tournament of Champions yesterday morning (Singapore time).

The reigning US PGA Championship title-holder plundered an eagle and six birdies in benign conditions for a bogey-free eight-under 65 on the Kapalua Plantation course on the island of Maui.

Fellow Americans Ryan Moore, Justin Thomas and Jim Herman carded matching 67s, with world No. 1 Jason Day joint-12th on 70.

Defending champion Jordan Spieth struggled at times en route to a 72 that left him joint-22nd in the elite 32-man, winner-only field.

Walker is a late bloomer who did not win on US PGA Tour until three years ago, the same season he clinched the Sony Open in Honolulu.

He also lost a play-off at Kapalua two years ago, and says he always feels relaxed in Hawaii.

"I get off the plane here, breathe the air and it just puts me in a solid good mood," the 37-year-old told Golf Channel.

"There are umbrellas in your drinks. I don't know what else you need."

There are umbrellas in your drinks. I don’t know what else you need. Jimmy Walker on his good form in Hawaii

Walker cranked up his round with a 40-foot eagle at the par-five fifth, and ended it in style by nearly holing out from 70 yards at the par-five 18th before tapping in for birdie.

"I drove it well, made a bunch of good putts," said the six-time US PGA Tour winner.

"A (40-footer) for eagle puts a little spring in your step.

"(I had) nice control of the ball all day."

Second-placed Herman made a tidy return to a course he played on with rented clubs during his honeymoon 12 years ago.

The journeyman was encouraged by Donald Trump to pursue a professional career and, like the United States President-elect, he aimed high.

PLAYING COMPANION

Herman was formerly an assistant pro at Trump Bedminster in New Jersey, and a frequent playing companion of Trump.

Herman plans to take a break from his playing schedule to be at Trump's inauguration on Jan 20.

"We have tickets," he said. "I think we're going to be there."

Day, meanwhile, admitted to a few nerves in his first event since pulling out of the Tour Championship with a back injury in September.

"Longevity is obviously key," he said.

"I had to do the right thing and take some time off.

"But standing on the (first) tee, I was a little nervous.

"I haven't stood on a tee for three months."

- REUTERS