Sahith Theegala crashes party, leads WM Phoenix Open after first round suspended due to darkness

Rahm had four birdies in a bogey-free round, failing to birdie any of the three par-5 holes and three-putting the short par-4 17th. The Spaniard starred at Arizona State and lives a few miles from the course.

“I’ve been able to win the Spanish Open twice and I carry that with a lot of honor,” Rahm said. “And this is kind of essentially home away from home.”

FedEx Cup champion Patrick Cantlay also was at 67 with Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, Louis Oosthuizen, Charley Hoffman, Alex Noren, Bubba Watson, Stewart Cink, Kevin Kisner and Billy Horschel. Cantlay is making his first appearance in the event.

Hideki Matsuyama shot a 68 in his first round since winning the Sony Open last month in Hawaii. The Masters champion won in Scottsdale in 2016 and 2017.

Hadwin had five birdies in a late six-hole stretch, capped by 20-footers on 16 and 17.

After a breezy periods in the morning, it was mostly calm in the afternoon, with the firm greens making it difficult to hit shots close.

“They were definitely firmer for a Thursday,” Higgs said after his afternoon round. “They don’t have weather here, so this place gets concrete come Saturday, Sunday.”

Graeme McDowell also was at 68 after his first round in the event since 2006.