Following the first round of The American Express on Thursday, Zach Johnson shot a 10-under 62 to share the lead with Sweden’s Alex Noren. Johnson scored seven of his ten birdies on the front nine of the Nicklaus Tournament Course.
It came as no surprise that some of the best players in the world shot low scores on the three Coachella Valley courses, given the picture-perfect desert conditions.
One stroke separates the leaders Rico Hoey and Christiaan Bezuidenhout, while 22 players, including Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, and former champion Si Woo Kim, scored 65 or higher.
Johnson, the U.S. Ryder Cup captain in 2023 and the 2007 Masters winner, finished his front 9 at La Quinta Country Club with 6 straight birdies. In his pursuit of his first victory on the PGA TOUR since the 2015 Open Championship, the 47-year-old finished the round with 3 more birdies.
“Year after year, La Quinta Country Club consistently ranks among the most impeccable venues where we play on the PGA TOUR. The grass appears nearly artificial. You can put a number up if you’re feeling it, if you have a rhythm, and if you can see the pure lines on the putting green. I adore this location. I adore this location. I told the assistant pro today that I should receive a free membership if I broke 76, but I don’t think it will happen. Although that is regrettable, we will continue to work on them.” Johnson said.
With just 10 putts, Johnson recorded his lowest 9-hole score in his 493 career starts on the Tour with a 29 on the front nine. He attributed his excellent start to preparation during the winter following his release from the demands of the Ryder Cup captaincy.
“I’ve been working so hard lately. Given what transpired the previous year and the work I was responsible for, there has really been a lot of regular golf work, which has been amazing. It’s time to return to work now. I’ve had fun with the work. It’s been fun to sweat.” Johnson said.
Five birdies and an eagle on the first seven holes of Noren’s round were followed by a double bogey. During his final six holes, he completed with five more birdies. The 41-year-old, ten-time winner of the DP World Tour, is still chasing his maiden career PGA TOUR victory.
“After 7 holes, I don’t think I’ve ever been 7-under, then on the 8th hole, I hit it out of bounds. Being here is just enjoyable. This competition appeals to me. This is a really lovely course.” Noren said.
Hoey , a Rancho Cucamonga native and native of the Philippines performed admirably in his fourth PGA TOUR appearance.
On the Nicklaus course at PGA WEST, the 28-year-old former star of the Southern California junior golf scene made 4 straight birdies in his back nine. Hoey is one of the 30 American Express members who completed the Korn Ferry Tour last year and won their TOUR cards.
“The presence of my family, my dad, my girlfriend, the coaches, and everyone else was kind of cool. It feels like a home event for me because I only live an hour away.” Hoey, who played in the area frequently as a junior, remarked
In his season debut, Thomas also had a great start, shooting a 65 that included eight birdies. Since taking home his second PGA Championship in 2022, the two-time champion and former world number one has not prevailed in a competition.
Scottie Scheffler, the world number 1, had a 67, with 3 of his 5 birdies coming at the turn. However, he did not dominate La Quinta as much as some of his rivals. Rickie Fowler shot 70 and Tom Kim shot 69.
Before the 54-hole cut is made on Saturday, players play one round on each of the three courses in the competition.
