The Cognizant Classic in Florida witnessed a thrilling start, with Austin Smotherman taking the lead after a stunning performance. But the real surprise? He's not the only one making headlines!
Smotherman's remarkable 62 in the opening round on Thursday was fueled by an impressive streak of six consecutive birdies. This score tied his career-best and left him eight shots ahead of Shane Lowry, who finished with a 70. Smotherman's feat is even more impressive considering he achieved the same score in the 2022 Bermuda Championship.
However, the story doesn't end there. Nico Echavarria also shone in the morning draw, shooting a 63, while Taylor Moore and Jackson Suber impressed with their 67s. But here's where it gets controversial: Smotherman's 62 is not a rare occurrence at PGA National. He joins an elite group of players who have achieved this score or better, including Jake Knapp's record-breaking 59 in 2025 and legends like Tiger Woods.
Despite his impressive start, Smotherman has yet to secure a win in his 81 tour starts, including a first-round lead at the 2023 Mexico Open. 'It was a pretty easy round,' he said, sparking a debate about the course's difficulty.
Meanwhile, Lowry's three bogeys on the front nine led to a tie for 36th. Other notable performances include England's Aaron Rai, who finished three-under, and Danny Willet, who shot level par. Brooks Koepka struggled with a three-over 74 after his recent return to the PGA Tour.
Billy Horschel praised the course, stating it was 'very fair' and acknowledging the Tour's efforts to maintain its appeal for players and viewers. But is the course too easy? That's a question that has the golf world talking.
What do you think? Is the Cognizant Classic course too forgiving, or is Smotherman's performance a testament to his skill? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation!
