PALM BEACH GARDENS (Fla.) Billy HorschelHe has never won a PGA Tour tournament in Florida. His quest to change that is already underway.
Horschel shot a 5-under 65 Thursday to tie him with Joseph Bramlettfor the lead in round one Honda ClassicPGA National. Bramlett was bogey-free, while Horschel had six birdsies and one bogey.
Horschel stated, Just played really solid. Didn’t do anything extraordinary. Hit some quality iron shots here, there. It wasnt all that easy and I wouldnt claim everything was automatic. I had to work hard to make some good swings. Overall, it was a solid day of golf.
Horschel had to visit the doctor before he could get a prescription for Honda. He had been fighting a sinus infection for a few weeks and was finally able to get a prescription. He may have felt tired but it didn’t show.
The 65 was his best score in 33 rounds of PGA National. He had previously shot 66 on two occasions.
Horschel, a Florida native, stated, Listen. Theres no secret. Its not a secret. I work hard. I work hard. Its no secret that I work very, very hard here. Despite the fact that I feel great and have everything in my control, energy is still not 100% every day.
Bramlett did a great job, even though it was difficult. He missed six fairways, and he missed 13 of 18 greens.
Bramlett, who has not won on the PGA Tour, stated that I definitely like it when the conditions are hard and guys have to really earn the title. I think thats historically always been my advantage.
Pierceson CoodyHe was a sponsor exemption and played his first PGA Tour event for a professional. He finished the first round at four under. Justin Suh. Since turning pro in June, Coody has won two times in 15 starts on Korn Ferry Tour.
It really feels like another professional events, says the grandson to 1971 Masters champion. Charles Coody said. Ive only played. [15]Professional events. Except for the grandstands, its not very different. Youre not trying to score high, youre just playing. There are no nerves. All I want to do is play well.
Suh missed a 10-foot birdie putt at No. 9 on his last hole. 9 — That would have tied him for first.
DIVOTS – Play was halted for darkness at 6:06 p.m. with seven groups still on course. Carson YoungHe was at 4 over with three holes remaining. … Past Honda champion Sungjae ImThe No. 1 player in the field, he was a slugger. 18 birdied the final hole and shot 3-under 67. … Past Ryder Cup captain Padraig HarringtonPlayed with 2023 Ryder Cup Captains Luke DonaldEurope and Zach JohnsonThe U.S. During the round, there was some Cup talk. Hes an excellent resource. Johnson spoke highly of Harrington, saying that he loves the Cup and has represented it well. Johnson shot 68; Donald 71; and Harrington 72. … Defending champion Sepp StrakaOpened with a 1-under-69. … Monday qualifier Parker CoodyPiercesons twin brother, he shot 74.
