Chris Kirk Takes Kapalua Lead With Final Birdie. A Dozen Players Are Lined up Behind Him

Chris Kirk of the United States plays his shot from the 18th tee during the second round of The Sentry at Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club in Kapalua, Hawaii, on Jan. 5, 2024. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

KAPALUA, Hawaii—The views off the west coast of Maui give the PGA Tour’s season opener at Kapalua a relaxing vibe. Inside the ropes, The Sentry is a lot more hectic.

Chris Kirk ran off three straight birdies on the back nine just to keep pace with 21-year-old Akshay Bhatia.