Matt Jones shoots opening 61, tying the course record, to lead $9m Honda Classic

While Adam Scott was taking his shoes off to play out of the water, fellow Aussie Matt Jones was equalling the course record in Florida.

Aussie Matt Jones of Australia tied a course record with a 61 at the Honda Classic in Florida. Picture: Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images

A screenshot reminding Matt Jones he almost won the Honda Open in his rookie year on the PGA Tour helped propel the Aussie to a career low round of 61 and a three-shot lead at the $9m event in Florida.

Jones, a two-time Australian Open winner, defied tough, windy conditions at the PGA National Resort to card nine birdies and no bogeys as he tied the new course record and set a new personal best after more than a decade on tour.

The 40-year-old from Sydney said he didn’t know how many course records he had set but low scores were what every golfer was after.

“I mean, I play golf for a living. I should be able to shoot a good score occasionally,” he said.

“That doesn’t happen as much as I want, but, yes, I’m very happy with it. I was very calm and I was relaxed out there, which normally I’m a bit more amped up and hyped up, and I had a different goal this week to be a little more calm, walk slower, and that’s what I tried to do today.”

Jones, whose last victory was his 2019 Australian Open win in Sydney, said he had a “very good day” at a course he knew he could contend after being reminded he finished fourth there in 2008.

“I think I was tied for the lead for a long time, and I thought about that while I was out there playing,” Jones said.

“Someone sent me a screenshot of that leaderboard yesterday, so it was good to see that.

“I don‘t know why I always feel comfortable on this golf course. There’s so many uncomfortable golf holes out there. But it is a course I do like playing, and if I’m hitting it the way I am today the rest of the week, it’ll be a good week.”

Fellow Aussie Cameron Davis rocketed up the leaderboard late in the day with an after round of four-under 66, which left him five shots behind Jones.

✔️ Tied the tournament-low round (61)
✔️ Career low round on TOUR
✔️ On pace for new career-best SG: Tee-to-Green performance in a round on TOUR (+7.16)

Matt Jones turned it up a notch in Round 1 @TheHondaClassic. pic.twitter.com/ajE1aKkxtv

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 18, 2021

The windy conditions made the going tough for plenty, including Adam Scott, who was forced to take off his shoes and socks, and put his rain jacket on, to make a par save from the water on the 11th hole.

The shoes are coming off...@AdamScott with a wild par save. 😱#QuickHitspic.twitter.com/kxP3hUZWJ3

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 18, 2021

Scott shot a one-under round of 69, the same as fellow Aussies Cameron Percy.

But the opening day belonged to Jones, who finished the opening round three shots clear of the chasing pack in conditions he said he enjoyed.

“It probably takes expectations down. You just manage the golf course and play the golf course, what‘s given to you, instead of being aggressive,” he said.

“I’m naturally an aggressive player. When the wind comes out I think my course management comes in, and, yes, growing up in Australia playing in the wind can help, too.”

Originally published as Matt Jones shoots opening 61, tying the course record, to lead $9m Honda Classic