DORAL, Fla. — Donald Trump was not on the grounds Thursday at Trump National Doral, having been called away to make a political speech in Washington, but he would have liked what he saw out on his newly redesigned Blue Monster course in the first round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship.
There was some terrific play at times, but there, too, were some struggles from the world’s best players.
“I think they did a really good job re‑designing the golf course,’’ first-round leader Harris English said. “It’s a tough golf course. I know Mr. Trump wanted a very tough test on the Blue Monster and I think that’s what he’s got.’’
Hunter Mahan, who has a share of the lead at 3-under par, said he would give the new course “a solid A-minus.’’
“There’s a couple little things they have to change, [like] the green on 3 probably, but those are just kind of things you see it and then it’s kind of too late probably to make a change for the tournament,’’ he said. “It’s 100 percent [harder] and longer. I thought 9 got really tough. I think the par 3s maybe got a little tougher, and some of those holes just got a little bit longer and you’re not having wedges or 9 ‑irons in. You’re having mid-irons to even long irons.
“They really put the water into play on almost every hole, so they kind of moved holes over closer to it.’’
Jason Dufner, who’s also 3-under and tied for the lead, said the course causes players to think more.
“In general, they have brought a lot of strategy into play on the golf course,” he said. “This used to be a golf course where you grab your driver on every hole, swing for the fences and play from there. You can’t get away with that here at Doral anymore.’’
Jason Day, the winner of the Match Play last month and the fourth- ranked player in the world, withdrew before the first round began with a thumb injury. He was supposed to play with Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson. McIlroy is 1-under and Mickelson is even par through 14 holes.
Russell Henley, the winner at the Honda Classic last week, had birdies on four of his first 10 holes before play was suspended and he then carded three bogeys after play resumed to stand at 2-under. … Worst round of the day came from Brett Rumford, who’s 8-over through 12 holes. Fortunately for him, there is no cut at this event.