SAN ANTONIO — As Abraham Ancer answered questions from a Telemundo reporter, Ancer’s Answers, the fan club of the 28-year-old Texas native, waited patiently for the man of the hour.  “We’re here for you,” said one of the faithful when he finally approached. That much was quite clear from the light-blue T-shirts and navy-blue caps bearing his name and worn by approximately 15 friends, some of whom he said were members of TPC San Antonio. Ancer showed his appreciation with a simple expression of “Gracias!” before posing for selfies, a group shot and signing autographs. He did everything, but kiss babies. That’s because Jimmy Walker isn’t the only hometown hero at this week’s Valero Texas Open. Ancer has been a San Antonio resident for the past five years and lives mere miles from the course. He says he practices and plays at TPC San Antonio 70 percent of the time when he is home (his career-best is a 65 on the AT&T Oaks from the tips that he said was like shooting a 63) and he put that local knowledge to good use on Thursday. Related: Si Woo Kim opens with 6-under 66 | Fowler’s late equipment switch pays off | Spieth starts strong in San Antonio | Featured Groups, tee times | Insider: Former Valero champ Bowditch upbeat in return from back injury After an up-and-down start, Ancer came home in 31 to shoot 5-under 67 and trail first-round leader Si Woo Kim by one stroke. He ranked second in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee and eighth in Strokes Gained: Putting. Ancer won the Australian Open by five strokes in November, but he’s still seeking his first PGA TOUR title. He’s also never played at Augusta National. Can he imagine killing two birds with one stone and doing it in front of friends and family in the city where he lives? “That would be amazing,” Ancer said. “But I’m going to keep my blinders on and keep going.”
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