Eric Cole leads the opening round of the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. On Thursday, Cole recorded six birdies on 14 holes before darkness halted play. After a four-under 66, Bryson DeChambeau was leading the field, but his spectacular performance put him one stroke ahead.
Eric Cole’s Strong Start
Eric Cole had a great PGA Championship opening round. Cole scored early despite the tournament’s frost delay. Six birdies in 14 holes proved his knowledge of Oak Hill. 11 teams are still finishing the first round due to darkness.
Cole’s PGA Tour Journey
Eric Cole worked hard and persevered on the PGA Tour. The Californian golfer turned professional in 2009 and spent his first few years on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he improved his game and learned a lot. His PGA Tour card in 2023 marked a career turning point. At The Honda Classic, he lost to Chris Kirk in a playoff. The 34-year-old is delighted to play in his second major, the PGA Championship.
Cole’s Ambition
Eric Cole is confident and determined after his early PGA Championship lead. Cole told reporters that being number one felt wonderful. He wants to win every golf competition he attends. His current situation inspires him to achieve more.
Tough Opponents
Eric Cole leads the PGA Championship, but he faces several other talented golfers. Bryson DeChambeau, who plays unconventionally, finished second, one stroke behind Cole, with a four-under 66. Dustin Johnson, Corey Conners, and Scottie Scheffler trail DeChambeau at three under par. These great athletes will make the finals exciting.
Jon Rahm’s Fight for History
Jon Rahm started the 2023 PGA Championship poorly after a great season. Despite having the best year, the Spaniard posted a disappointing six-over 76 in the first round owing to six bogeys and a double bogey. Rahm trails Eric Cole 11 shots. Rahm aspires to become the fourth golfer and first since Jack Nicklaus in 1975 to win the Masters and PGA Championship in the same year.
Jordan Spieth’s Pursuit of Golf Perfection
Triple major winner Jordan Spieth seeks golf immortality by winning all four majors. Spieth must overcome significant odds to win the PGA Championship and become one of the few golfers to win all four majors. Spieth will need a strong finish to complete this historic feat.
Competing for Other Major Titles
The PGA Championship features major champions Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa. Both McIlroy and Morikawa finished the opening round one over par. Both athletes can return and compete for the championship. Brooks Koepka and Justin Thomas are one shot behind.
DeChambeau’s Development
In recent years, Bryson DeChambeau’s aggressive play has changed. DeChambeau won the 2020 US Open and finished in the top 10 multiple times after gaining 40 pounds during the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance his distance. Due to illness and surgery, his performance has diminished. After discovering he was allergic to certain foods, DeChambeau changed his diet and lost 18 pounds in 24 days.
DeChambeau’s Stability Satisfaction (H4)
Despite his propensity of attempting new things and modifying his physique, Bryson DeChambeau now wants to stay put. After seeing his unique method’s pros and cons, DeChambeau is confident in his driving skills and won’t change his strategy. He’s devoted to finding a balance to keep playing well.