Brendan Steele fired a 19-under-par 65-66-61-69 — 261 at the Sony Open in Hawaii last week to finish tied for fourth place, his best finish of the still-new 2020/21 season.

The Idyllwild native’s stats told the story: Drives averaging 310 yards found 73% of the fairways, and he hit 83% of the greens in regulation while gaining an average of about 1.2 strokes per day on the field with his putter.

Brendan put together 23 birdies and an eagle against 6 bogeys in four sub-par rounds to leap from 177th place to 95th on the FedExCup points list in this early season.

Lasik surgery Brendan had last month may have contributed to his improved play. Reportedly, he is seeing his distant shots landing better and is sharper at reading greens.

He told the Town Crier that, working with his swing coach Chris Mayson last week, he “found a really good feel” in his swing and he’s also become less technical with his putting.

This week, B will be out to do his best in our backyard at The American Express tournament on the PGA West courses in La Quinta. Usually played on three courses, the tournament will be trimmed back this year to feature the Stadium Course because of COVID-19.

Follow him play-by-play on computer or cellphone at the PGATour.com website.