Jacob Bridgeman made a strong start at the 3M Open, taking a one-shot lead in the first round with an impressive eight-under 63. Meanwhile, Open Championship runner-up Billy Horschel had to withdraw due to illness, adding an unexpected twist to the tournament.
Bridgeman, who has struggled in his recent PGA Tour performances with three missed cuts, showcased his skills by carding nine birdies and only one bogey in Minnesota. His highlight of the round came when he chipped in from the bunker for a gain at his 17th hole, solidifying his lead.
The 24-year-old, whose best finish this season was tied for 14th at the RBC Canadian Open in June, currently sits atop the leaderboard, one stroke ahead of Mackenzie Hughes. Patrick Rodgers, Andrew Novak, and Martin Trainer are close behind at six under par at TPC Twin Cities.
Despite the absence of Horschel, the highest-ranked player in the event is World No 11 Sahith Theegala, who is part of the group at five under par after a flawless round.
Horschel, who is currently ranked 33rd in the world after his strong performance at Royal Troon last week, was forced to withdraw ahead of the first round due to illness. He explained, “I wasn’t feeling great late last night and took some medicine.”
“I had decent sleep but woke up with a fever, my body is not responding well, every muscle feels locked up. I tried to warm up in the gym, but it didn’t help.
“I attempted to hit some balls on the golf course, but my body just wouldn’t cooperate. It’s disappointing. I was looking forward to competing at the 3M Open.”
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“The event is well organized, so I’m very disappointed not to be able to play here after coming off a really great finish last week.”
Round two of the PGA Tour’s 3M Open will be live on Sky Sports Golf from 7pm on Friday.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the first round of the 3M Open provided an exciting start with Jacob Bridgeman taking the lead and Billy Horschel’s unexpected withdrawal. Despite challenges, players showcased their talent and determination on the course. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how the leaderboard evolves and who will emerge victorious. Stay tuned for more updates and coverage of the 3M Open on Sky Sports Golf. And don’t forget to visit DeFi Daily News for the latest trending news articles in the world of sports and beyond.
