March 19, 2024

Ryan Palmer leads at Colonial after 62

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Colonial member Ryan Palmer shot an 8-under 62 to match the first-round record at Hogan’s Alley and take a one-stroke lead over John Rollins.

The bogey-free 62 equaled Palmer’s lowest round on the PGA Tour.

Palmer, the former Texas A&M player who has three PGA Tour victories, and longtime caddie James Edmondson are full dues-paying members at Colonial. Edmondson is even the reigning club champion.

Graham DeLaet, wearing pants with a plaid design similar to the jacket Colonial winners get, matched Morgan Hoffmann, David Hearn and John Peterson at 64. Matt Kuchar, No. 13 in the world ranking and the highest-ranked player in the 136-man invitational field, was in a group of six at 65.

Defending Colonial champ Zach Johnson opened with a 69.