HONOLULU, Hawaii – Andrew Putnam might become a beekeeper on the side after his opening round at the Sony Open in Hawaii. The Barracuda Championship winner was unable to practice in the lead up at Waialae Country Club thanks to a bee sting suffered in Maui a few days ago. Making the adjustment from the greens at the Sentry Tournament of Champions that have significant slope and fast speeds especially down grain and downhill to the slower, flatter putting surfaces at Waialae can be tough. But Putnam went out blind Thursday and made 174 feet, three inches of putts to gain an incredible 6.844 strokes on the field in the greens. The 29-year-old was 12 from 12 inside 10 feet and also made birdie putts from 27, 21 and 28 feet during his round. “The putter was hot … it was getting a little ridiculous out there,â€� Putnam said post round. “The hole was very large and the ball was going in. It was fun.â€� Putnam suffered the bee sting on his foot moving a chair by the pool in Maui before his flight to Oahu and the swelling prevented him from playing in the pro-am or practicing. “I actually putted really well last week at Kapalua. I think I was second in putting so I think it’s just carryover. Hitting my lines,â€� he said. “Funny thing was I didn’t get a practice round out here, so I was a little bit up in the air with the speed of the greens. For some reason it just felt right.â€� Oh and for the record, Putnam did not leave the flagstick in for any of his putts. “I’m still scared of doing that,â€� he smiled.
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