Brendan Steele managed three birdies against two bogeys to post a 1-under-par 71 on the Stadium Course in the CareerBuilders Challenge Thursday at La Quinta.
That left the Idyllwild native in only 107th place going into round 2, but it must be noted that this tournament is played on three different courses, so there is no cut until after the third round Saturday night, and the Stadium Course is much the hardest of the three.
Specifically, we note that of the top 12 finishers Thursday, only one had played the Stadium Course. Also, Brendan is only two shots off of the cut number after playing the hardest course.
Brendan had a pair of super shots Thursday: He made a great par save by launching a sand shot from a deep green-side bunker at hole no. 9 to within eight inches of the hole, and at the par-3 island green, he drained a 23-foot putt for birdie.
Brendan tees off tomorrow, Friday, at 9:10 a.m. from the 10th tee at La Quinta Country Club.
