Robert MacIntyre from Scotland and Beau Hossler from the US both came out swinging, firing impressive seven-under par 64s to take the lead in the first round of the PGA Myrtle Beach Classic.
MacIntyre, who boasts two victories on the DP World Tour, and Hossler, seeking his maiden US tour win, showcased their skills at the picturesque Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Joining them in the top ranks are China's Dou Zecheng, Argentina's Alejandro Tosti, and Americans Davis Thompson and Alistair Docherty, all tied for third with scores of 65.
MacIntyre, currently ranked 84th globally, kicked off his round on the back nine, finishing with a flurry of five birdies in seven holes. Despite a slight hiccup with a bogey on the eighth, he managed to level with Hossler at the top spot with a remarkable 35-foot birdie putt on the ninth.
Reflecting on his performance, MacIntyre commented, "I got off to a good start, built up a bit of momentum and then just hung on to it really. It got really tough on the back nine so I was just trying to manage the misses well. I thought I putted really well... Overall a great day."
Hossler, ranked 81st, reminisced about his near-victory at the 2018 Houston Open, where he lost in a playoff to Ian Poulter. His round today was marked by early birdies, including an impressive eagle from the bunker on the 13th hole. Despite some challenges with wind judgment, his short game shined, leading to an overall satisfying performance.
While the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, draws the top PGA Tour players, the Myrtle Beach Classic provides an exciting platform for emerging talent to shine.
