ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. – Charles Howell III knew when he glanced out his window early Thursday that Round 1 of the RSM Classic would play to his favor.
“Waking up and seeing that weather change, I was awfully glad I was on Plantation and not Seaside,” Howell said with a laugh.
Howell posted an 8-under 64 on the Plantation Course to take a two-stroke lead over defending champion Austin Cook and J.J. Spaun on a blustery day at Sea Island Resort.
It was a textbook round for Howell, who once owned a house on St.