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Waste Management: Early Eagle Propels Matthew NeSmith to First Round Lead

By DJ Cadden

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: Matthew NeSmith reacts to his shot from the second tee during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines South on January 25, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: Matthew NeSmith reacts to his shot from the second tee during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines South on January 25, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /
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After a rough end to his 2020 campaign, the start by Matthew NeSmith to the 2021 season has not been much better. With four missed cuts already this season, NeSmith was probably just hoping to make the weekend in Phoenix.

After Thursday, NeSmith should almost be a lock to make just his sixth cut of the year. In fact, he may even be in serious contention to take home the trophy when the time comes on Sunday.

The 27-year old started on the back nine and came out firing on all cylinders. He started out the day with a birdie on the par-4 10th hole. He would follow this up with back-to-back pars on the 11th and 12th holes.

On the par-5 13th hole, Matthew NeSmith bombed a 314-yard drive to set himself with a realistic Eagle chance. Unfortunately, NeSmith’s second shot found the back bunker. Luckily for NeSmith, he would chip it in from 31-yards out for a miraculous eagle.

He would birdie two of the next four holes to finish his first nine with a 6-under par 30. This includes a near-ace on the infamous 16th hole, better known as the stadium hole.

Matthew NeSmith’s scorching hot start would slow down as he turned the corner, but he still played extremely impressive golf.

During his final nine, Matthew NeSmith parred seven holes. He gained a shot with a two-putt birdie on the par-5 3rd.

Perhaps NeSmith’s most impressive shot of the day came on the par-3 6th. After a modest 252-yard drive, he left himself with roughly 200 yards to the hole. His approach would find itself behind the green and over 50 feet from the hole. NeSmith improbably chipped it in for birdie, No.6 on the day.

Next. Waste Management: Xander Schauffele Stays on Hot Streak. dark

When it was all said and done, NeSmith shot an 8-under par 63 at TPC Scottsdale on Thursday. NeSmith currently sits in a tie for first place with Mark Hubbard after the first round.

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