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Gary Woodland off to a great start in 2018

By Stan Unruh

HONOLULU, HI - JANUARY 10: Gary Woodland of the United States watches a shot during the pro-am tournament prior to the Sony Open In Hawaii at Waialae Country Club on January 10, 2018 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
HONOLULU, HI - JANUARY 10: Gary Woodland of the United States watches a shot during the pro-am tournament prior to the Sony Open In Hawaii at Waialae Country Club on January 10, 2018 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Gary Woodland is off to a great start to the 2018 PGA season. After a Top 12 finish last week, the former Jayhawk golfer is ready for what could be his best season.

Kansas Jayhawk fans who follow golf believe 2018 could be Gary Woodland’s best yet on the PGA tour.  The Topeka native and former University of Kansas standout had a great 2017 and is already off to an exciting start to the golf year. His play at last week’s Farmers Insurance Open is a perfect example of what we expect to see.

Woodland was in the hunt for victory as the final round started on Sunday at Torrey Pines. He sat if fifth place just three shots off the lead after an amazing third round in San Diego.  Woodland took full advantage of moving day with a 6-under 66.  The round that featured 6 birdies and only a bogie on the par 5 No. 13 moved him past 42 other golfers. Impressive indeed.

Golf fanatics know Woodland has experienced a little success at Torrey Pines.  In 2014, he led the event after three rounds. His five birds on that Saturday’s third round placed him just a shot ahead of Jordan Spieth. Unfortunately, Woodland struggled on Sunday with a 74 and settled for a tenth-place finish.  Spieth shot 75 that day and tied for 19th.

Had a chance for victory last week

I expected Woodland to make up for his disappointing finish in 2014 and continue the climb up the leader board.  It didn’t happen. The holes he conquered Saturday gave him trouble. His 4 bogeys in the first five holes left him out of the running. When lesser competitors might have mentally quit, Woodland continued to fight.  He used his strength off the tee to get back at that par 5 No. 13 to make birdie. He did sink an eagle putt on that 540-yard hole Friday.

Next: Mitch Lightfoot to the rescue

Woodland settled for a bird and bogie on the final two holes and an eight-way tie for 12th place. The finish earned him $123, 000. In mid-January, Woodland finished 7th at 14 under to earn almost $200,000 at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Woodland is sitting in the Top 50 on the tour money list for 2018 as he begins play Thursday afternoon in the Phoenix Open. He is partnered with Kevin Chappell, Ryan Moore and Wes Bryan at TPC Scottsdale.

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