Chad Ramey cards bogey-free 64, shares lead with Kim at Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches
Chad Ramey made a significant impact in the opening round of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches by carding a flawless, bogey-free 64, seizing a one-stroke lead after the morning session. His impressive performance at PGA National marked a stark departure from his previous showings at the venue, where he struggled to find success.
Ramey capitalized on favorable playing conditions, capitalizing on the absence of wind to produce a stellar round of golf. He kickstarted his round with a remarkable 27-foot birdie putt on the first hole, setting the tone for a string of five birdies in his first seven holes. Despite PGA National's reputation for challenging play, Ramey remained composed and avoided trouble throughout his round, showcasing proficiency across his entire game.
Chesson Hadley emerged as another contender, finishing just one shot behind Ramey with a bogey-free 6-under 65. Ryan Moore also made his mark with an eagle highlight, holing out from 113 yards at the par-4 13th, on his way to a solid 65.
While players took advantage of the favorable conditions to post low scores, many acknowledged that PGA National could present tougher challenges as the tournament progresses, especially if the wind picks up and the greens firm up. Despite the relatively tame conditions in the opening round, players remained aware of the course's potential to become more demanding in the coming days.
Overall, the leaderboard is tightly packed with contenders, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead as players aim to navigate the challenges of PGA National and contend for the Cognizant Classic title.