PHOTOS: Mitsubishi Electric Championship kicks off at Hualalai

Bernhard Langer wraps up Day 1 of the 2024 Mitsubishi Electric Championship on the 18th green Thursday at Hualalai. The final round will be held Saturday. (Conor Langs/West Hawaii Today)

Stephen Ames putts his final green of the day Thursday at Hualalai. (Conor Langs/West Hawaii Today)

Fred Couples wraps up Day 1 of the 2024 Mitsubishi Electric Championship on the 18th green Thursday at Hualalai. The final round will be held Saturday. (Conor Langs/West Hawaii Today)

Stewart Cink speaks with his caddie at Hole No. 18 during Day 1 of the Mitsubishi Electric Championship on Thursday at Hualalai. Cink played with defending champion Steve Stricker in the opening round. (Conor Langs/West Hawaii Today)

Defending MEC champion Steve Stricker surveys the green at the 18th hole during Round 1 on Thursday at Hualalai Golf Course. Stricker remains in the mix to repeat as champion in 2024. (Conor Langs/West Hawaii Today)

Steven Alker (left) is interviewed by PGA TOUR Champions media following his completion of Round 1 on Thursday at Hualalai. Finishing the day at -7, Alker was satisfied with how the round went. "I knew I was playing well and feeling good. It'll make dinner taste a little bit better," he said with a smile. (Conor Langs/West Hawaii Today)

First-time Mitsubishi Electric Championship competitor Stewart Cink walks back to the clubhouse following the opening round of the tournament on Thursday at Hualalai Golf Course. Cink has had a storied professional career prior to joining the Champions Tour, including winning the Open Championship in 2009. (Conor Langs/West Hawaii Today)