Thursday at TPC Craig Ranch produced some seriously low scoring, but Scottie Scheffler couldn’t quite keep pace with Brooks Koepka on day one of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
Koepka posted a superb opening round of eight-under par 63 while Scheffler carded a 66.
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The former LIV Golf star stormed out of the blocks and was three-under par after just three holes.
Meanwhile, Scheffler struggled to hang onto Koepka‘s coattails, but still managed to card five birdies and 13 pars on day one of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Before the first round began, Koepka admitted that he was excited at the prospect of to playing with Scheffler.
And he clearly gained inspiration from being paired with the world number one.
Brooks Koepka comments on Scottie Scheffler’s mood on day one of the CJ Cup
The 36-year-old Floridian addressed the media after his opening round in McKinney, Texas, on Thursday morning.
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Scheffler would have been frustrated that he did not capitalize on the numerous chances he gave himself during round one.
So with that in mind, it was interesting to hear Koepka’s comments on the vibe in his group.
Koepka responded when asked how he was feeling out on the course during his opening round.
“Yeah, that was nice,“ the five-time major champion said.
“I think — we were just talking about it over here in one of the interviews.
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images
“It was just a comfortable group as well. Everyone is just kind of feeding off each other, easy. Everyone’s having fun. Makes it enjoyable. I feel comfortable on the golf course as well.
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“Finally, I felt good with the putter. I felt good the last few days with it when I was working in my studio. Then when I got here, it felt very comfortable.
“Rick said the same thing from watching. Which also kind of helps build a little confidence, what you feel versus the reality of it. Just happy with the way everything went today.“
The fact that everyone’s mood in the group was so good on Thursday at TPC Craig Ranch clearly helped Koepka on his way to posting a round of 63.
Si Woo Kim echoed a similar sentiment to Koepka, saying: “Yeah, we had a good start. Always playing with Scottie is enjoyable, and then especially that’s two of my favorite players. Yeah, it was a really good round we had.“
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Brooks Koepka’s stats from day one at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Koepka actually struggled with the driver on Thursday at TPC Craig Ranch.
He ranked 76th in strokes gained driving, and that number will likely tumble throughout the day as the afternoon wave make their way out onto the golf course.
However, every other department of his game was sensational.
He ranked third in strokes gained approach, second in strokes gained around the green and third in strokes gained putting.
Overall, Brooks Koepka’s opening round at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson was a huge step in the right direction.
Now the challenge for him will be to produce three more rounds like the one he produced on Thursday, as he looks to return to the PGA Tour winners’ circle.
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