These Guys Are Good

Robert Streb's opening 61 included a record-tying start to a PGA Tour event

October 14, 2021
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Jared Tilton

Robert Streb has always been a bit of a streaky player on the PGA Tour. During the 2014-15 season in which he picked up his first win, Streb racked up nine top 10s, which account for nearly half of the 34-year-old's career total. And after winning for a second time early last season, that wound up being his only top 10 of 2020-2021.

But on Thursday, he put together the best streak to open a round of his life. In fact, his hot start tied a PGA Tour mark for starting any tournament.

Streb took an immediate liking to The Summit Club, which is hosting this week's CJ Cup for the first time. He birdied the first two holes before eagling the third. But he wasn't done.

Streb added three more birdies to begin his third round as he raced out to a ridiculous seven under through six holes. That matched the best start to a PGA Tour event in the ShotLink Era (since 2004). After moving to six under through five holes, the PGA Tour tweeted out he had matched that record as well while providing a couple early highlights:

Forget #59Watch, this guy is on a #49Watch in Vegas. Incredible.

Later, the tour said Streb's start through six has only been matched by Brandt Snedeker, who pulled it off during the opening round of the 2007 Farmers Insurance Open.

Streb really cooled off with three pars to finish his front nine. Still, he made the turn in 29 to grab the (very) early lead. OK, guess golf fans will have to settle for a #59Watch today.

UPDATE: So we didn't quite see a 59 on Thursday, but Streb kept cooking on the back nine. After a bogey on the 251-yard, par-3 11th, he added five more birdies to finish with an 11-under-par 61. He currently leads by four shots.