Intense start to the CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Taylor Moore leads the first round of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson with a 62, the best of his career on the PGA Tour. The Texan, who lives in Oklahoma, closed with a 14-foot birdie on the 9th hole to stay in front.
Brooks Koepka, five-time major champion, shot a 63—eight under par—and was one shot off the lead. The American is looking for his first victory since returning to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf.
Scottie Scheffler, world number one, finished with 66 and shares the chasing group. The reigning tournament champion played alongside Koepka and Si Woo Kim. In closing, Scheffler declared:
“I felt like I was getting passed for a while out there. So I was fortunate enough to make a couple of birdies at the end of the round and stay in the tournament.”
Last year, Scheffler dominated the Nelson from start to finish and won by eight strokes at 31 under par, tying the tour record through 72 holes.
Jesper Svensson was able to match Moore, but missed a 9-foot putt on the final hole. The Swede shares second place with Koepka.
Si Woo Kim, ranked 24th in the world, made the only bogey of the advanced trio on the 16th hole – a par 3 – and is three shots off the lead, tied for seventh place with seven other players, including Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo, Keith Mitchell and Stephan Jaeger.
Doug Ghim, Mackenzie Hughes, Hank Lebioda, Austin Eckroat and Lanto Griffin all recorded 65s.
The tournament is held at the renovated TPC Craig Ranch, on the outskirts of Dallas.
