GREENVILLE, S.C. – The ability to reel a score back in is an attribute imperative in the ranks of professional golf.
Bryson Nimmer is learning how to accomplish that in short order.
The former Clemson University standout recorded a bogey and double-bogey in succession on his first two holes Thursday in the opening round of the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation, but regrouped to remain in the running for a coveted weekend spot in the popular Web.com Tour event.
“It wasn’t a very good start,” Nimmer said of his 1-under par round of 71 at The Cliffs Valley course near Travelers Rest. “I was over the green on (hole) 1 and had too many putts on 2.”
From there, however, Nimmer turned things around.
He had four birdies the rest of the way, including birdies on three of the par-5 holes.
“The pins were pretty challenging,” said Nimmer, the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year last season. “But I played pretty solid and played the par 5s really well.”
The early leaders were Vince Covello of Philadelphia and Matt Harmon of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Covello fired an 8-under 63 at Thornblade while Harmon had an 8-under 64 at Cliffs Valley.
Former Clemson standout Ben Martin also placed himself in the mix by firing a 31 on the front nine and finished with a 8-under 63 on Thornblade.
Nimmer will take a shot of confidence into Friday’s second round, which will unfold at Greer’s Thornblade Club, a course where Nimmer has played multiple times.
After finishing tied for 14th in his first Mackensie Tour event in Canada last week, Nimmer is hoping to make the cut and gain some momentum for his fledgling pro career.
“It has been cool so far,” he said. “I’m kind of comparing myself with everyone out here. They’re used to this traveling and used to the set-up.
“It’s challenging and you always have to be on your feet. Hopefully I can play here for a few more days. I’m really excited about it because I usually play better at Thornblade.”
The field will be cut to the top 65 professionals and ties following Friday’s second round. Sunday’s winner will earn $126,000 of the event’s $700,000 purse.
