Former Alabama golfer Robbie Shelton played in seven PGA Tour events as a non-member back in 2017 — didn’t break an egg.
Shelton earned his tour card for the new season with the “Tennessee Slam” last season on the Corn Fairy (aka Korn-Ferry) Tour, winning the Nashville Open and the Knoxville Open.
He woke up Friday morning with the first round lead at the Military Tribute At The Greenbrier after racing around the Old White course with an eye-opening 62. “I’m fired up, last night it was tough to sleep,” he said after going eight-under for his first 18 holes as a member of the PGA Tour.
Thursday was a typical round of a cross-over season event — lots of unfamiliar names and one very familiar name.
Defending champion Kevin Na got off to the start he was looking for with a six-under par 64 — once again his putter was working well.
Journeyman Scott Harrington, age 38, who is in his first full season after dwelling in the mini-tour world before getting to the Corn Fairy (aka Korn-Ferry) Tour where he earned his card last season, was tied with Na at six-under.
Biggest name in the field is slow-play expert Bryson DeChambeau he opened with 68 and was tied for 53rd.
Newly-crowned Rookie Of The Year — Sungjae Im, shot 66 and was tied for 17th.
