Herman Sets Pace at Honda Classic; McIlroy Struggles


Jim Herman opened with a 5-under 65 to take the first-round lead at the Honda Classic. The $6.1 million PGA Tour event got underway Thursday at the tough Champion course at PGA National in a blustery Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

The 37-year-old Herman, a resident of nearby Port St. Lucie, enjoyed a spotless card that listed five birdies on the par-70 layout for a one-stroke lead over Californian Brendan Steele, who posted six birdies and two bogeys.

Herman, who's never won on the PGA Tour, didn't know he was going to even get into the tournament until he got a call midway through his Monday qualifying round that he was in. "It was a little unexpected to get to 5 (under)," Herman to the PGA Tour's website. "I was trying to keep it around par."

Herman has some experience at the course, having played it around 20 times while serving as an assistant professional at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie. "It's nice playing out here," Herman added. "I definitely enjoy it more than the golf shop."

Two behind are Ireland's Padraig Harrington, Patrick Reed and Texan Martin Flores. Harrington is accustomed to playing on windswept courses but he had to adjust to the conditions Thursday. "If I had come from Ireland, I probably would be thinking it was a nice day," the three-time major champion quipped.

"But having played the last four weeks over here, even I was struggling and questioning and doubting myself out there. I found it very difficult."

While many players couldn't adjust to the wind, which abated somewhat as the afternoon wore on, Kaymer relished the challenge. "I enjoy playing in these conditions. It's not boring," the reigning U.S. Open champion said. "Every single hole you have to think, you have to be very creative and I enjoy it."

Defending champion Russell Henley struggled, carding one birdie, two bogeys and a double on the par-4 14th for a 3-over 73. Shooting that same number was No. 1-ranked Rory McIlroy, who is making his 2015 debut in the U.S. this week.

The 25-year-old Northern Irishman actually could have gone a lot higher. After a double-bogey on the par-4 first hole when he took a two-stroke penalty for a lost ball on his drive, McIlroy had two birdies, a bogey and another double to make the turn in 3-over 38. He settled down on the home half, with a pair of birdies and two bogeys, with his birdies coming on the final two holes.

"I know that my game's there. But today wasn't obviously what I wanted to start with," McIlroy said. "Guys were all struggling. It was a grind out there."

He was paired with Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson, who also had their share of difficulties. Koepka recorded a 78 and Johnson - who lost in a playoff in last week's Northern Trust Open to James Hahn - a 77, with their threesome going a combined 18-over par on the day. The trio will join up again for Friday's second round.

Other scores included a 71 by five-time major winner Phil Mickelson, and a 77 by four-time major champion Ernie Els. England's Paul Casey, who also lost in the sudden-death playoff to Hahn, had a 69. The new-look Jason Dufner - who has lost 20 pounds and cut his mop-top haircut - shot a 71.

The highest-ranked player in the field after McIlroy, No. 6 Sergio Garcia, posted a 72.

Hahn took the week off after notching the first victory of his career at Riviera Country Club on Sunday.

The shot of the day was by Lee Westwood, who holed out from 211 yards with a 3-iron for an eagle on the par-4 10th. The 41-year-old Brit finished with a 1-over 71.

For updated scores, visit http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html.