Jim Herman survives windy day to take Honda Classic lead

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (AP) – A strong wind welcomed the PGA Tour to Florida on Thursday. Jim Herman didn’t mind one bit.

Herman saved par from the fairway twice and kept bogeys off his card for a 5-under 65 and the early lead at the Honda Classic at PGA National. He was one shot ahead of Brendan Steele.

Rory McIlroy got off to a rugged start in the afternoon. The world’s No. 1 player already was 4-over through six holes.

For starters, Herman was happy to be playing. This was the second straight week that he was in a Monday qualifier when he got word he was in the tournament. And he has lived in South Florida for more than a decade, so the wind didn’t bother him.

Phil Mickelson opened with a 71.