The first groups are ready to tee off in today's second round of the Verizon Heritage. Here's how it sets up:
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EXPERT PREVIEW: PGA TOUR Network on-site correspondent Mark Carnevale previews Friday's second round:
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The low score of Round 1 was shot early on Thursday in the form of the 7-under 64 from Alex Cejka, which stood up all day. Alex will hold the lead going into Round 2. Based on that, my observation of the first round was that the conditions were just a little better for those playing in the morning than in the afternoon. I would look for the same to happen in Round 2 -- lower scores in the morning and tough conditions in the afternoon.
All this is going to lead to a crowded leaderboard going into the weekend, with a large number of players close to the lead. This is the norm for the Verizon Heritage, and I do not expect it to change.
I was a little surprised at Jim Furyk's round. Jim, who has had top-10 finishes here in four out of his last five appearances, struggled to a 3-over 74. This golf course fits Jim's game really well. Expect him to bounce back with a good round Friday and get into the mix.
Looking at the top of the leaderboard, there is a common thread: There is not an abundance of big hitters there. This course requires accuracy, not length. Don't get me wrong, length off the tee is great, but it's not a requirement here. Look for that trend to continue as well.
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NEWSWORTHY NUGGETS
Cejka shot a bogey-free, 7-under 64 Thursday morning to record his lowest round since a 64 at the 2007 Canadian Open, where he tied for 10th. Cejka's career-best round is a 63 at the 2004 Booz Allen Classic.
The scoring average in the morning wave (72.15) was higher than the afternoon wave (71.52), but no player in the afternoon wave was able to crack the top five. There were eight players in the afternoon wave who finished at 3-under 68 to stand in an 11-way tie for sixth.
Only five of 15 first-round leaders have gone on to victory this season on the PGA TOUR. Last season, nine of 46 first-round leaders went on to claim victory.
Trevor Immelman turned in his best round of the season with a 5-under 66. Immelman's previous best round in 2009 was a 68 at the Transitions Championship. Since the 2008 Masters, Immelman's best rounds were a 64 at the 2008 World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational and a 66 at the 2008 St. Jude Championship.
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