PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. – Illinois senior Charlie Danielson settled on a simple game plan for his PGA Tour debut at the Northern Trust Open: have fun.
Well, he made birdie on his first two holes at Riviera Country Club, shot 4-under 67, tied Rory McIlroy, and beat Justin Rose and a host of other majors winners, not to mention World No. 1 Jordan Spieth, who stumbled to an 8-over 79.
In other words, he had the time of his life, and as if further proof was needed, look no further than the perma-grin on his face.
“I had no idea if I would shoot 80 or 66 so I just went out with no expectations and it worked out,” he said.