You by no means know the way issues will shake out on the golf course.
Simply ask Sam Ryder, who one way or the other posted a masterful 9-under 63 through the first spherical of the Valero Texas Open.
His terrific rating got here at some point after he withdrew from the Wednesday Professional-Am, as he felt soreness in his higher again and neck. He didn’t even contact a membership on Wednesday, so he opted to relaxation and watch Netflix as a substitute.
Ryder had a day tee time on Thursday, however he needed to get out to the course early, to see how he felt. He arrived at TPC San Antonio about three hours earlier than his 12:40 p.m. beginning time, and felt ok to go. Actually, the nice and cozy Texas climate helped loosen no matter tightness he felt on Wednesday.
“I used to be a bit of gun-shy early, and as I constructed up the pace, I received extra confidence and belief in what I used to be doing,” Ryder mentioned.
“As soon as I received on the course, you’re actually not hitting — fortunately, I didn’t hit that many pictures right now, however you’re not hitting that many drivers, you understand, so I used to be capable of play.”
Ryder started with birdies on the primary two holes, shortly leaping as much as 2-under for the championship. He added one other par-breaker on the par-5 eighth, rolling in a 13-footer to get to 3-under.
However the former Stetson Hatter caught fireplace on the again 9, warming up like the recent Texas solar. He made six birdies on the again, all of which got here on his final seven holes. Ryder caught his third shot to a foot on the par-5 18th to publish a 63 and seize a one-shot lead over Keith Mitchell.
“I figured it was going to be something beneath par is at all times often fairly good out right here,” Ryder mentioned.
“Didn’t go in with any intentions of attempting to be extra aggressive or something like that, was simply attempting to place one foot in entrance of the subsequent and have a strong spherical, hit fairways and as many greens as doable.”
Ryder’s putter is a giant cause why he has the lead. He gained practically six strokes on the greens on Thursday, rolling in 127 toes price of putts. He solely wanted 21 putts too — a preposterous quantity that doubles because the lowest of his PGA Tour profession.
“I believe placing for me is lots about my setup, so simply strive to ensure the whole lot, you understand, the whole lot’s lined up,” Ryder mentioned of his placing.
“After which at that time I can simply sort of free it up and simply deal with the goal and sort of simply be extra of an athlete. Yeah, good to see some putts go in, construct some confidence.”
Maybe that confidence will proceed to develop over the ultimate 54 holes — however provided that his sore again and neck don’t flare up. If he can, an invitation to Augusta Nationwide will await him, together with a pair of Texas cowboy boots that go to the winner.
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By way of. Comply with him on X @jack_milko.
