By England’s Matt Wallace surged to the top of the leaderboard at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson after a weather-delayed opening round, while 16-year-old amateur Kris Kim made a remarkable debut on the PGA Tour.
Wallace’s stellar performance saw him card a bogey-free 63, highlighted by a flurry of birdies in the early stages and capped off with a strong finish. His eight-under total set the clubhouse target and positioned him as the player to catch heading into the next round.
Former Ryder Cup star Alex Noren and Canada’s Taylor Pendrith are in close pursuit, trailing Wallace by just one shot. Meanwhile, defending champion Jason Day displayed his prowess with a solid opening-round 66, keeping him within striking distance of the lead.
Among the notable performances was that of young amateur Kris Kim, who dazzled spectators with his impressive play in his PGA Tour debut. Despite the nerves, Kim showcased his talent with a mix of birdies and bogeys, ultimately finishing the day within five shots of the lead. His highlight moment came with a sensational chip-in eagle on the final hole, marking a memorable start to his professional journey.
Reflecting on his round, Kim expressed satisfaction with his performance and acknowledged the initial nerves he felt at the start. Nevertheless, he displayed composure and skill throughout the day, earning praise for his promising debut on the tour.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Wallace to maintain his momentum and fend off the chasing pack, while Kim’s remarkable debut adds an exciting dimension to the competition. With seasoned veterans and emerging talents alike vying for victory, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson promises thrilling action in the days ahead.
