IRVING, Texas: Keegan Bradley fired 10 birdies and an eagle in a course-record 60 yesterday to seize a three-shot lead after the first round of the US PGA Tour’s Byron Nelson Championship.
Bradley’s sizzling 10-under par round came despite two bogeys on the TPC Four Seasons Resort course, where he took advantage of a rain-softened course to set an early target that no one could match.
South African Charl Schwartzel had seven birdies and no bogeys in his seven-under 63, which gave him sole possession of second place.
“I birdied more holes than I didn’t, which is rare,” Bradley said. “It was just an explosive type of round.”
The former PGA Championship winner said playing partners Jason Dufner and Matt Kuchar kept the round relaxed.
“Just a really fun round,” Bradley said. “Kind of felt like a Saturday morning round with my buddies.”
The 60 ties the tournament record for a low round held by Sam Snead and Arron Oberholser, who shot their 60s on different courses.
Cameron Beckman, Justin Leonard and Charlie Rymer shared the TPC Four Seasons course record of 61.
Bradley, the 2011 Byron Nelson Championship winner, notched the lowest round of his PGA Tour career, improving on his previous best of 63.
He teed off on 10, and had five birdies in his first seven holes. After back-to-back bogeys at 18 and one, he played his last seven holes in eight-under par, including an eagle at the par-five seventh.
Schwartzel benefitted from a morning tee time.
AFP
