Theegala Leads Season Opener at Kapalua With 64. Morikawa Hits Opening Tee Shot Packed With Emotion

Theegala Leads Season Opener at Kapalua With 64. Morikawa Hits Opening Tee Shot Packed With Emotion
Collin Morikawa of the United States plays his shot from the first tee during the first round of The Sentry at Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club in Kapalua, Hawaii, on Jan. 4, 2024. Michael Reaves/Getty Images
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KAPALUA, Hawaii—Collin Morikawa already has won two majors and played in the opening session twice in the Ryder Cup. His opening tee shot Thursday at Kapalua felt as special as any moment.

Long before Sahith Theegala rolled in his 10th birdie for a 9–under 64 to lead The Sentry, the PGA Tour began a new year with a ceremony on the first tee. It featured a Hawaiian blessing and chants geared toward renewal and regrowth, with emphasis on the deadly Lahaina fires.