Bryson DeChambeau got it going big-time Friday at the BMMW — so much so that he found himself an unprecedented 12-under par standing in the 18th fairway at Caves Valley. With just 143-yards uphill to the hole, he lofted a perfect wedge shot that hit 10 yards past the hole and spun back — leaving him a short, uphill six-footer for the magic number — 59.
Bryson hadn’t missed from inside 12-feet all day as he had eight birdies and two eagles on his scorecard. All he needed was that six-footer.
Oops!
DeChambeau made a bad read, hit it too hard or simply found the moment too much — whatever it was, he missed the putt and “settled” for a 12-under par 60 that got him to a whopping 16-under par after his opening round of 68. As good as he was, he found himself only one shot clear of poker-face Patrick Cantlay, who shot a 63 but was overshadowed by DeChambeau’s sensational round.
As for Bryson, he insisted he simply mis-read the putt. “I had the right speed, I mis-read the putt,” DeChambeau said after his performance. “It was an awesome opportunity. I knew all day if I kept it in the fairway and kept hitting greens I could shoot 10-under or better.” And in Bryson’s case — it was better.
“I hit a good shot in there,” DeChambeau said of his approach at 18. I executed a good putt — it just didn’t break the way I wanted (it) to.”
The PGA Tour halted play due to threatening weather at 4:32 p.m. (EDT). Sungjae Im was in at 12-under par (67-65), Hudson Swafford posted 11-under (67-66).
First round co-leader Jon Rahm was 11-under for the tournament through 10 holes with a chance to get closer to the leader. Rory McIlroy, who also opened with 64, could only manage a 70 on day two and stood at 10-under.
Sam Burns, the other day one co-leader, was only one-under for the day and was nine-under overall with seven holes to complete.
