Sergio Garcia turns it around and shares Honda Classic lead

Sergio Garcia, that guy who couldn’t drive, chip or putt on his way to missing the cut at Riviera last week? And in a sport known for eagles and birdies, alligators and Egyptian geese got just as much attention during the opening round.

It ended with Garcia and Thompson each making a birdie on the par-5 18th hole to tie for the lead, one shot ahead of Rickie Fowler and William McGirt.

Only 22 players broke par, which is typical at PGA National, where two par 5s have been converted to par 4s.

It makes the course look harder when keeping score by par, though the course is tough enough as it is.

SERGIO’S BIG DAY: Garcia said he took it easy for four days after missing the cut at Riviera.

On his second hole, he hit an 8-iron from 142 yards into the cup for eagle.

THE EAGLE LANDS: Shane Lowry closed out his round of 67 with a 3-iron into 3 feet for eagle on the par-5 18th.

But of the nine eagles in the opening round, none got a louder cheer than Alex Cejka, who made an ace with an 8-iron on the noisy 17th hole.

THE DINNER: Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III birdied his last hole for a 71, headed to the range to hit a few balls and then was off to dinner with about 25 of his best friends.