Finally, golf that counts; Fowler an early leader

By John Strege

KAPALUA, Hawaii -- The PGA Tour season finally began on Monday, three days late and on a day more represtative of the weather on this side of Maui.

"It was nice," said Rickie Fowler, an early clubhouse leader in the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Fowler shot a three-under par 70 on the Plantation Course here. "It felt pretty calm out there actually, from the winds we've seen. The greens are a little slow, just to make it playable and keep the ball on teh green. I had a few come up short, but it was fun."

Play had begun twice in the previous three days, only to be stopped when wind gusts made the course unplayable. The intention today is to complete 36 holes on Monday, then finish the tournament as a 54-hole event wilth the final round played on Tuesday.

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