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[mdtoday = Minseok Choi, Reporter] Brooks Koepka and Kim Si-woo moved into contention on the opening day of the PGA Tour’s The CJ Cup Byron Nelson (total purse $10.3 million), setting up a challenge to world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler’s bid for a second straight title.
On May 22 at TPC Craig Ranch (par 71) in McKinney, Texas, Taylor Moore fired a 9-under 62 to take the solo lead in round one, with Koepka and Kim right on his heels.
Koepka, who returned to the PGA Tour this season after a stint on LIV Golf, posted an 8-under 63 — one eagle and six birdies — with no bogeys. Tied for second with Jesper Svensson, the five-time major champion and 2018 CJ Cup winner is aiming to reclaim the crown. With five major titles among nine career victories, Koepka needs a win here to secure entry into signature events.
After the round, Koepka said, \”If I win, it’ll give me confidence,\” adding, \”I feel like I’m standing at the door of victory.\” He started on the 10th hole and displayed steady play, sinking a 4.2 m eagle putt on the par-5 12th.
Kim Si-woo rolled in eight birdies to finish at 7-under 64, ending the opening round tied for fourth. Playing in the same group as Koepka and Scheffler, Kim made a three-putt bogey at the par-3 7th but rebounded with a birdie at the par-5 9th to get back into the mix. \”I’ve been working with a new putting coach since last year, and it’s starting to pay off,\” he said.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler carded five birdies and no bogeys for a 5-under 66, leaving him tied for 16th. Playing alongside Koepka and Kim, Scheffler said he occasionally felt like he was trailing and emphasized that on a course like this it’s critical to keep your momentum.
Meanwhile, Seung-yul No, making his first PGA Tour start of the season, shot 4-under 67 to tie for 32nd, while Sung-jae Im and Joo-hyung Kim each posted 3-under 68 to finish tied for 47th.
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