LOS CABOS, Mexico – Cameron Percy is 49 and has already applied for PGA Tour Champions Q-School in December. However, after his impressive performance in the first round of the World Wide Technology Championship, Percy might want to reconsider his plans. The Australian golfer, still searching for his first PGA Tour win, shot a remarkable 10-under 62 at El Cardonal at Diamante, matching his career low in 632 rounds over the past two decades. When play was suspended due to darkness, Percy held a two-stroke lead over four other players.
“I’m currently ranked 152nd in the FedEx Cup, so finishing in the top 150 at my age would be fantastic,” Percy stated. “If I can maintain this level of play, I should be able to finish much higher and carry that momentum into Q-School with the Champions Tour. I’m really looking forward to that opportunity.”
Percy got off to a strong start, birdieing three of his first five holes, and later made an impressive eagle on the par-5 sixth hole by spinning back a pitch shot from 70 yards.
“For about an hour and a half, it didn’t matter where I hit it, the ball went in,” Percy remarked.
As he finished his round, Percy sunk a 15-foot birdie putt on the last hole, showcasing his remarkable skills. He eagerly awaits his next tee off, scheduled for 6:25 a.m. local time on Friday.
“I’m going to be playing on good greens, and I need to take advantage of that opportunity,” Percy said.
Here are some highlights from the first round:
Drive for Show
The fairways at El Cardonal at Diamante, designed by Tiger Woods, were meant to be generous. However, even Tiger probably didn’t anticipate that 32 players in a field of 132 would hit all 14 fairways. This exceptional feat raises the question, when was the last time 32 players achieved this at a PGA Tour event?
The wide fairways, initially intended for members and guests, have created an unexpected challenge for the professional players. Zac Blair expressed his frustration, saying, “You can go the entire week without missing a fairway if you hit it well… I missed one with an iron and I was so mad.”
Similar to Augusta National, El Cardonal at Diamante places emphasis on the second shot.
“If you hit the fairway, you’re going to have a chance to get it close to the pins on most holes,” Nate Lashley explained.
Club 64
Four golfers, including Nate Lashley, shot a 64 and are tied for second place. Lashley celebrated his impressive finish by collecting three Dos Equis beers from the locker room.
Michael Kim admitted his preference for tequila over beer, but clarified that he refrains from alcohol during tournaments. He jokingly mentioned that he would consume quite a few margaritas if he were to win for the first time since 2018.
Camilo Villegas, a four-time Tour winner, expressed his focus on the process despite his recent lack of success. Tano Goya of Spain also played exceptionally well, opening with a 64 for the second time this season at the Vidanta Mexico Open. When asked about the possibility of more tournaments in Mexico, Goya expressed his joy in playing there and the positive energy from the Latin American crowds.
Schmid heating up
Matti Schmid, with only one top-10 finish on the PGA Tour this season, started the World Wide Technology Championship with a 7-under 65. The German golfer described his ball-striking as “really good” and expressed satisfaction with his performance. Schmid, currently ranked 148th in the FedEx Cup standings, is on a hot streak after a strong finish in his last Tour start and an impressive runner-up finish in the DP World Tour’s Andalucia Masters.
Billy the Kid
Billy Davis, twin brother of Augusta National Women’s Amateur winner Anna Davis, is making a name for himself in his PGA Tour debut. Davis was 2-under through 17 holes when play was suspended. The 17-year-old earned his spot in the field by winning a playoff in the Monday qualifier.
“I was just supposed to make it that day, that’s just how it was,” Davis commented.
To read the full story, visit GolfWeek.
Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.
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