JGTO Abroad: Strong start for Hisatsune, Semikawa at The American Express

PGA Tour rookie Ryo Hisatsune had a strong start to his campaign at The American Express in California, firing a seven-under-par 65 and tying for 14th place on Thursday.

The 21-year-old marked his scorecard with an eagle and five birdies at La Quinta Country Club (LQ), one of the three courses hosting this week's US$8.4 million event, alongside PGA WEST's Pete Dye Stadium Course (SC) and Nicklaus Tournament Course (NT).

Hisatsune is set to play next on the NT course, followed by the SC on Saturday, where he aims to make the cut after completing 54 holes.

Taiga Semikawa also delivered a solid 68, overcoming early setbacks that included bogeys on the second and fourth holes.

The three-time JGTO winner bounced back superbly with four successive birdies from the fifth, picking up another two shots on 11 and 17 to claim a share of the 54th spot.

Both Hisatsune and Semikawa have ground to make up, with American Zach Johnson and Sweden's Alex Noren leading the early proceedings at 10-under, accomplishments also achieved at LQ.

Similar to Hisatsune, Semikawa will face the challenge on the NT course in the next round.

In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Rikuya Hoshino struggled to a two-over-par 74, placing him joint 76th after the opening round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Another Japanese competitor, Masahiro Kawamura, was just a shot back, tied for 96th following a 75.

China's Li Haotong, Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard, American Cameron Young, and England's Andy Sullivan topped the congested leaderboard after signing for matching 67s.

Ends.