Round 1: HP Byron Nelson Championship

Defending champion Rory Sabbatini’s opening 68 should put him in good shape heading into the second round. But he wasn’t happy with the way he played.

“A pretty dismal round of golf,” Sabbatini said. “I didn’t hit many fairways and missed a few greens and wore my short game out there. Made things tough on myself and kept it interesting. … Anybody watching would have been completely baffled as to how I shot 2 under.”

Indeed, Sabbatini hit just 3 of 14 fairways and 10 of 18 greens in regulation. His saving grace came on the greens, as he needed just 26 putts, one-putting 10 different greens. In fact, he needed just six putts in his last five holes.

He also made a couple of sand saves on the front nine that proved vital.

“I managed to scramble around and get in the clubhouse with 2 under,” Sabbatini said, “so I didn’t do any damage.”

After a bogey on the par-4 sixth prior to the 3-1/2 hour weather delay, Sabbatini avoided any more trouble, playing bogey-free golf for the last 12 holes. Back-to-back birdies at the 15th and 16th holes moved him up the leaderboard.

“I got fortunate and managed to take advantage of a few holes coming in,” Sabbatini said. ” But obviously that will wear out real quick on this golf course. I better go do some work and get the swing and the clubs working the way I want them to and be prepared for tomorrow.”

And about his title defense?

“If I can get my ball-striking going and keep putting well, I have an opportunity,” he said.

To replay Sabbatini’s round on Shot Tracker, click here. — Mike McAllister