There was more than a hint of deja vu in the opening round of the $3 million Buick Classic at the Westchester Country Club yesterday. Dennis Paulson set an impressive pace with six birdies in a flawless 65 to move into the hunt for a title he lost in a play-off last year.
Duffy Waldorf, the man who beat him in sudden-death, is just a stroke behind alongside Davis Love and Spanish Ryder Cup golfer Miguel Angel Jimenez, who made a commendable debut in the curtain-raiser to next week's US Open at Pebble Beach.
Ireland's two representatives, Richie Coughlan and Keith Nolan, both struggled on the opening day. Coughlan shot a five-over-par 76, while Nolan was one shot worse off.
Paulson (37), a big hitter from California, was quick to acknowledge that the pair are locked in battle again on the same West Course.
"I would like to the result to be this way instead of where it was last year," said Paulson, who led the first round at the Masters in April.
He added: "I cannot say enough about Duffy. He birdied the last three holes last year, I didn't lose the golf tournament; he won it and that's what it's all about. I have not lost one bit of sleep over what happened last year at this tournament."
He added: "I really like this golf course, I really do. You must be precise with your irons and I love fast, slopey greens. They are the kind I grew up on."
"Leading the first round is like kissing your sister; it's no big deal, it doesn't matter. Leading doesn't mean anything, you have got to win it."
