LOS CABOS, Mexico — In challenging windy conditions on Thursday, Kevin Streelman, Tom Whitney, and Rico Hoey each delivered impressive rounds of 5-under 67 to take the early lead in the World Wide Technology Championship.

Streelman, who has not secured a victory on the PGA Tour since 2014, began his afternoon at the El Cardonal course, designed by Tiger Woods, with both an eagle and a birdie.

“This course can be quite exhausting, especially under these windy circumstances,” Streelman remarked. “There are certain holes that require careful attention, particularly the first. It’s a downwind par 5, and the 18th hole presents a similar challenge. However, as you progress, you end up facing the wind.”

Whitney started strong, making birdies on the first three holes.

“Coming into the day, the thought was to aim for a score of 6, 7, or 8,” Whitney noted. “But as the wind picks up, it becomes necessary to adjust those aspirations. I’m really happy with 5 under.”

Defending champion Erik van Rooyen finished the round one stroke behind at 68, tied with competitors Taylor Montgomery, Max Greyserman, Nate Lashley, Austin Eckroat, Kelly Kraft, and Ryan McCormick.

“This is a completely different challenge compared to what we faced last year,” van Rooyen stated. “Last year, we had maybe just one club of wind.”

Colombian golfer Nico Echavarria, who won the Zozo Championship in Japan in his previous outing, began his round with a score of 69.

“It was a solid round and a great start, and I managed to keep it bogey-free,” Echavarria expressed. “The wind picked up quite a bit in the morning.”