American Jimmy Walker is looking to bounce back quickly from a play-off defeat as he defends his Sony Open title in Hawaii.
The 35-year-old was edged out by Ryder Cup team-mate Patrick Reed in sudden death at the Tournament of Champions at the Kapalua resort in nearby Maui.
Having moved on to Honolulu, the scene of one of his three victories on last year’s schedule, Walker is keen to make amends and retain a title which played a significant part in helping him qualify for Tom Watson’s United States team.
He knows his game is in good shape so hopes a return to familiar territory at the Waialae Country Club, will make the difference.
“I was hitting it good [last week], no doubt about it,” Walker said. “I felt like I could do whatever I wanted with the golf ball with an iron so I look forward to taking that into Waialae where it’s even more of a premium — it’s a real shot-shaper golf course.”
Lift spirits
Walker revealed a message from his father Jim had helped lift his spirits after Monday’s disappointment, which was important after discovering social media did not rate his performance.
"My dad sent me a cool text," he told golfdigest.com. "He goes 'I know you're bummed, but Jack Nicklaus finished second in the Majors 19 times. Tell me that guy hasn't had some heartbreak — more than you're experiencing right now'.
“I had never finished second before in a PGA Tour event. I realised it’s okay. I learned a lot. I learned about what not to do.
“Twitter is just the worst thing to be looking at. You just see stuff, you read stuff. It’s just not the best thing. It’s funny. I know it’s part of the deal but I played good.
“I’ve never played 72 holes before and made two bogeys. I’ve never done that. I didn’t make as many birdies coming down the stretch that I needed to.”
He plans to change that this week, adding: “It’s nice to have the chance to defend.
“I’m coming back to a place I like and had some success. I am ready to get back at it this week.”
Australian Jason Day is also looking to maintain some early form despite a final-round 62 only being good enough for a third-place finish at Kapalua.
“It’s all about inches and, you know, it could go either way, but it’s a fine line from missing a cut and winning a tournament,” Day said.
“I’m just glad that all the work that I put in in the off-season is paying off so early.
“It wasn’t so much the hitting, it was more so with the putting because it was a frustrating week the first three days. I’m just glad to get the year off to a good start.”
