Theegala gets hot early at Phoenix Open

Sahith Theegala has crashed golf's biggest party.

Playing in the last group off the 10th tee on Thursday in his first Phoenix Open start, the 24-year-old was seven under with two holes left when the round was suspended because of darkness. South Korea's K.H. Lee is second after a six-under 65.

"Super strong field, probably the strongest field I played in so far this year," Theegala said.

"The big key for me, like always in my game, is just putting my driver in the fairway.

"I was able to do that early and often."

The fans were back in full force at a firm and fast TPC Scottsdale, with well over 100,000 on hand and a lot more expected on Friday and Saturday. Last year, daily attendance was limited to 5,000 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I always love the fans here," defending champion Brooks Koepka, two strokes back after a 66, said.

"I like playing in front of a lot of people. They cheer you when you hit a good one and boo you when you hit a bad one, which is what you deserve."

Adam Scott is the pick of the Australian's in a tie for 18th after shooting a three-under 68 with Lucas Herbert (70), Matt Jones (72), Craig Hocknull (74), and Cam Davis (75) also fighting to reach the weekend.

PGA Tour rookie Theegala opened with a 16-foot birdie putt on No.10 and made four straight birdies from the 13th, holing a 15-footer from the fringe on the stadium par-3 16th.

"I got off to a pretty hot start," Theegala said.

"It was nice to see one go in on the first hole. That always kind of sets the tone."

Adam Hadwin, Harry Higgs, and Scott Stallings matched Koepka, also the 2015 winner.

Top-ranked Jon Rahm (67) had four birdies in a bogey-free round, but failed to birdie any of the three par-5 holes.

"I've been able to win the