In the world of professional golf, the first round of The American Express tournament in California did not disappoint. US Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson and Sweden's Alex Noren both took the lead after shooting impressive 10-under-par 62s at La Quinta Country Club. This remarkable performance included a stunning six straight birdies by Johnson. The tournament, which features three different courses, will continue with rounds at PGA West's Pete Dye Stadium Course and Nicklaus Tournament Course.
Johnson and Noren hold a one-stroke lead over Rico Hoey from the Philippines and South Africa's Christiaan Bezuidenhout, who both shot impressive 63s. Not far behind, at eight-under 64, are notable players such as Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, and defending champion Si Woo Kim from South Korea.
It is worth noting that Johnson, at the age of 47, is seeking his first victory since winning the 2015 Open Championship. In contrast, Noren has already secured 10 titles in Europe but has yet to conquer the challenges of the US soil. Despite this, both players displayed exceptional talent and composure on the course, outplaying some of their fellow Ryder Cup teammates.
Johnson expressed his admiration for his younger colleagues, stating, 'They kind of keep me young to some degree. Motivated. Just watching them is, to say it's impressive would be an understatement.' He was thrilled to be back playing and mentioned that he hasn't had the opportunity to put in this much work in over a year's time.
Noren, on the other hand, had a bit of a rollercoaster round with an eagle and a double bogey. However, he managed to bounce back with a remarkable display of birdies, including five out of the last six holes. Reflecting on his round, Noren remained positive, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a broader perspective and staying focused.
The field is certainly competitive, with many players anticipating low scores throughout the tournament. Xander Schauffele, who chipped in for an eagle on the par-five 11th, acknowledged that someone is bound to shoot lower than eight-under. He expects a wave of impressive performances as the tournament progresses.
A standout performance came from Justin Thomas, who made his season debut with an impressive seven-under 65 at La Quinta. Thomas had an incredible six-birdie streak from the fourth to ninth holes, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination.
Daniel Berger also made a notable return to the tour after recovering from a back injury. Playing his first round since the 2022 US Open, Berger shot a solid four-under 68 at the Stadium Course. Despite having only played 10 rounds in the past six months, Berger expressed optimism about his performance and saw this tournament as a great starting point for the season.
The second round of The American Express promises to be exciting, with the leaderboard packed with talented players eager to make their mark. Fans can catch all the action on Sky Sports Golf, and the conclusion of the event is set for Sunday evening.
As we witness these exceptional performances and captivating displays of skill, The American Express continues to solidify its reputation as a premier event on the PGA Tour. Golf enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the tournament's climax, where the best golfers will battle it out to claim victory.
