Chad Ramey made a strong statement in the opening round of the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches, shooting a bogey-free round of 7-under 64 to grab a one-stroke lead. Ramey's past experiences at PGA National were less than stellar, having missed the cut in previous years. However, he capitalized on the favorable conditions on Thursday to put himself in a promising position.
Ramey's impressive round included a 27-foot birdie putt on the first hole, setting the tone for his performance. He managed to secure five birdies in his first seven holes, showcasing his skill and consistency. Despite the challenging nature of PGA National, Ramey stayed out of trouble and displayed a well-rounded game.
Other notable performances in the morning wave came from players like Chesson Hadley, Ryan Moore, and Austin Eckroat. Hadley finished just one shot behind Ramey with a bogey-free round of 6-under, while Moore's highlight was holing out from 113 yards for an eagle. Eckroat impressed with five consecutive birdies during his round.
The players acknowledged the favorable conditions on Thursday, with minimal wind and receptive greens making the course more manageable. However, they anticipate the course to become more challenging as the tournament progresses. Despite the ease of play in the opening round, the competitors are prepared for tougher conditions in the coming days.
Several other players, including Billy Horschel, C.T. Pan, and defending champion Chris Kirk, posted solid scores to stay within striking distance of the leaders. With a talented field and unpredictable conditions at PGA National, the Cognizant Classic promises an exciting and competitive weekend of golf.
As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect intense competition and potential leaderboard changes as the players navigate the demanding course. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches.
