Adam Hadwin of Canada shot a 6-under-par 65 and held sole possession of the lead when first-round play was suspended at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship on Thursday in Southampton, Bermuda.
Hadwin was one stroke ahead of Japan’s Takumi Kanaya (66) and Braden Thornberry, who was 5 under through 16 holes when darkness fell at Port Royal Golf Course.
Another shot back were Alex Smalley, Isaiah Salinda and Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune at 67, as well as Frankie Capan III (4 under through 16).
Fifteen golfers will have to conclude their first rounds Friday morning.
Hadwin, 38, is trying to maintain his full status on the PGA Tour for the 12th consecutive season. Entering this week, he stood at a dismal No. 147 in the FedEx Cup Fall standings, with only the top 100 at the end of the fall guaranteed to keep their cards.
A high finish in Bermuda would propel Hadwin easily inside the top 100. Of course, an outright victory would grant him a two-year exemption on tour.
Hadwin had seven birdies against just one bogey on Thursday. He did so despite hitting only six of the 14 fairways in regulation.
Kanaya, whose only professional wins so far have come in his native Asia, made an eagle putt at the par-5 17th to boost his score. Kanaya entered the tournament No. 120 in the points race.
