The 2008 Mayakoba Classic teed off on Thursday as Fred Funk set out to defend his 2007 Mayakoba Classic title. The title defence started well for Funk as he picked up a birdie at the first hole, however it was downhill from there as the defending champion hit four bogeys as he made his way through the course, finishing the day with a three-over 73.

With Funk’s defence of the title looking decidedly shaky, it was John Merrick who had the best of the running during the first round of the 2008 Mayakoba Classic. Merrick played a flawless round of golf, and finished the day with a six-under score of 64, leaving him with a one shot lead over Robert Damron, Kenneth Ferrie and David Lutterus.

An interesting feature of the first day of play was the strong performances put in by golfing veterans John Daly and Greg Norman. Daly hit an impressive 65, whilst Greg Norman stayed in the hunt with a par equaling round of 70 on the course that he designed.

With Merrick hitting the joint lowest score of his career on day one of the 2008 Mayakoba Classic, it will be interesting to see whether the youthful Long Beach native will have what it takes to turn a promising start into his second PGA tour win.