Chalmers takes Congressional lead

Greg Chalmers carded a five-under-par 66 to claim a one-shot lead after the first round of the Quickens Loans National on Thursday.
The Australian is one stroke ahead American Ricky Barnes and Sweden’s Freddie Jacobson at Congressional Country Club, while defending champion Bill Haas, South African Tyrone van Aswegen and Americans Erik Compton and Patrick Reed are all on three-under.
Former world number one Tiger Woods, who is playing in his first tournament in three months following surgery on his back, languished down in a tie of 83rd position following a three-over-par round of 74.
“I put in a new driver this week. It’s going really well,” Chalmers told reporters from the clubhouse after the round.
“I really drove the ball the best I’ve driven it all year. That was exciting and that set up the rest of the round.
“I’m really pleased. That gave me a lot of confidence and I fed off that. Finishing with three straight birdies is always nice.
“Putting is a strength to my game, but it’s part of the game that you need to do well if you want to be successful.
“If I have a day like today, where I strike the ball well, I can shoot a low number.”
Chalmers is bidding to become the seventh Aussie to win on the PGA Tour this year after Jason Day, Adam Scott, John Senden, Every, Bowditch and Matt Jones all tasted victory at some point in the year so far. This mini milestone is a distinct possibility, when Betbright’s improving Chalmers stakes are taken into account.
“There’s a long way to go,” Chalmers said.
“I had a really nice day, and I’m proud of that and that’s great.
“How that transpires into the rest of the week is what matters. By the time I get on the tee tomorrow, there’s a chance I’ll be three or four behind. It’s nice at the moment but it doesn’t mean a whole lot.”
Latest
-
PGA Tour
Injury rules Open champion Cameron Smith out of BMW Championship
The Australian world number two currently sits third in the FedEx Cup standings, 1,132 points behind leader Will Zalatoris.
-
PGA Tour
Will Zalatoris triumphs in dramatic playoff to claim first PGA Tour win
The American defeated Austria’s Sepp Straka in three extra holes at TPC Southwind – despite not making a birdie.
-
News
Ewen Ferguson seals wire-to-wire victory at ISPS Handa World Invitational
The 26-year-old Scot also won the Qatar Masters in March.
-
Ryder Cup
New Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald motivated by ‘bitter’ memories of 2021 defeat
Stenson was stripped of the role for breaking his contract by joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
The task facing Luke Donald after replacing Henrik Stenson
Stenson was appointed on March 15 and said he was fully committed to a role before signing with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Donald replaces Henrik Stenson after he was stripped of the role.
-
PGA Tour
Tony Finau claims second straight PGA Tour victory
The American won the 3M Open in his previous outing.
-
News
Henrik Stenson cushions Ryder Cup blow with £3.6m debut win in LIV Golf
The Swede was stripped of his role as Europe captain after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
-
News
Former Masters champion Bubba Watson becomes latest player to join LIV Golf
The left-hander is currently sidelined by a knee injury and is not expected to play until next season,
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald tipped to replace Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Swede lost the job 127 days after his appointment following his decision to join the LIV Golf series.