The professional Chad Ramey’s first two visits to PGA National were pretty forgettable. This week, he might get an opportunity to rectify it.
In the first round of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, which is the first event on the PGA TOUR’s Florida Swing this year, Ramey shot a bogey-free, 7-under 64 on Thursday morning. He took a one-stroke lead after the morning wave over Cameron Young, Ryan Moore, Chesson Hadley, Austin Eckroat, and Andrew Novak.
Ramey made brief and unimpressive outings at the event in the past. He failed to shoot a round in the 60s both times he missed the cut at PGA National, missing it by ten strokes in 2022 and by just one stroke in the previous year. However, the weather was ideal when he teed off early on Thursday; there was hardly any breeze for much of his round on a course that is notorious for having strong gusts.
“The lack of wind this morning was a nice break for me. I completely anticipate the wind blowing for the remainder of the week. It doesn’t blow here, and I’ve never been. However, it is undoubtedly advantageous to take advantage of the quiet conditions.” said Ramey.
“This course won’t get much easier,” said No. 2 in the world Rory McIlroy, who finished the morning wave with a 4-under 67.
On the first hole, Ramey hit a 27-foot birdie putt. This began a run of five birdies in his first seven holes, including a birdie on the par-4 sixth hole at PGA National, which is 479 yards. After that, he mainly just avoided danger; out of his 11 par putts, only two were made from over four feet.
“Hit it clean, putted it nicely, and made one chip. It felt really strong throughout the entire bag,” stated Ramey, who last had a first-round lead at THE PLAYERS Championship the previous year.
With six birdies on his card, Hadley finished one stroke ahead of Ramey and also devoid of bogeys. The highlight of Moore’s 65 came when he punched out for eagle at the 13th par-4 from 113 yards. Eckroat shot five birdies in a row at one point in the round; for the day, he and Moore both had nine birdies and three bogeys.
Hadley said the combination of light wind and receptive greens had him thinking “let’s go.”
“I was able to shoot 6-under today by taking advantage of the conditions. It will most likely keep dropping a little bit, but it will bare its fangs. It does each and every time. Usually on Sundays, if you’re just lounging about, you may organise something and make the weekend memorable.” said Hadley.
In a group at 5-under 66 were Billy Horschel, C.T. Pan, Sam Ryder, Bud Cauley, Erik van Rooyen, Kevin Yu, and Chandler Phillips. On a day when PGA National was far from its toughest, McIlroy, the reigning champion Chris Kirk, and FedExCup points leader Matthieu Pavon were among those who ended with 67s.
“The feeling was really mild, to be honest. 2-under par is tied for fourth place where I’ve played. The golf course has obviously seen some changes. For now, it’s a little less difficult. But I expect it to get a little tougher as the greens get firmer as the week goes on.” Daniel Berger, who ended with a 3-under 68, stated.
Due to darkness, play was halted before two groups could complete their last hole. Their first round will be finished early on Friday.
