Brendan Jones Leads Hoag Classic After Stellar 64 in Second Champions Start

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Australian golfer Brendan Jones, who turned 50 earlier this month, took the lead after the first round of the Hoag Classic, shooting a remarkable 7-under-par 64 on Friday at Newport Beach Country Club.

In just his second appearance on the PGA Tour Champions, Jones’ round was highlighted by an eagle on the par-five 3rd hole and five birdies in his first six holes. This performance marked his low 18-hole score on the Tour.

Jones, from New South Wales, expressed his excitement about the memorable day. “When I saw this place the first day, I was just licking my chops,” he said. Despite a bogey on the 4th hole, he finished strongly with six birdies overall, culminating in a one-shot lead over fellow rookies Freddie Jacobson from Sweden and Michael Allen, who both shot 65.

Jones’ pathway to the Champions league began when he finished T3 at the Q-School in December 2024, earning his spot among the seasoned players. “It’s unusual to be on the top of the leaderboard with the names that are right behind me,” he acknowledged, referring to Hall of Famers like Ernie Els and Fred Couples, who were in pursuit at the Hoag Classic.

Jacobson, who also made an impressive start, noted the importance of rhythm in his game. His bogey-free round featured four birdies in his first six holes. “It’s been a little up and down, but as long as you have some ups in there, you know, get a little momentum going,” Jacobson said.

At 66, Els is tied for fourth with fellow competitors Alex Cejka and Steve Allan, each finishing the day at 5-under-par. Couples, a two-time champion of the event, finished at 4-under. He hopes to improve after battling illness earlier in the week. “I missed a couple of makeable ones, including a 3-footer,” Couples admitted.

Defending champion Padraig Harrington ended the first round tied for 24th after a 2-under-par round of 69. Meanwhile, Jay Haas, 71, recorded a 1-under 70, marking the 27th time he shot his age or better on the Champions Tour.

The second round of the Hoag Classic is set to begin Saturday at 10:35 a.m., with the leaders—Jones, Jacobson, and Allen—teeing off last at 12:35 p.m. Additional festivities scheduled for Saturday include a celebrity challenge event at the 10th tee at 3:30 p.m., followed by a sunset concert featuring LoCash at 6:30 p.m.