Max Greyserman began the Baycurrent Classic with a stellar opening round, shooting a score of 67. This performance propelled him into a tie for the lead at the PGA Tour event hosted at Yokohama Country Club in Japan. With tee times adjusted to avoid the impacts of an approaching typhoon, Greyserman’s effort saw him finish the round three under par at the turn.
Impressive Start for Greyserman
In a thrilling run, Greyserman made a notable 40-foot birdie putt on the 11th hole, taking the outright lead momentarily. Despite a bogey on the 12th hole, he quickly regained his momentum with a 19-foot birdie on the 15th, rounding out the day at four under par. He shares this leading score with Bud Cauley and Brian Campbell.
Memories of Heartbreak
The 30-year-old American reflected on last year’s event, where he faced heartbreak despite leading on the back nine. That day, he lost to Nico Echavarria, who clinched victory with birdies on the final two holes. Speaking about his current ambitions for the tournament, Greyserman noted, “I feel like I was maybe going to win that one, but Nico got it done that week, so maybe I can get it done this week.”
Conditions and Cultural Experience
Greyserman praised the challenging conditions of the day, stating, “It was a solid round. Very, very difficult conditions, and very windy.” He also expressed his appreciation for Japan’s golf culture, highlighting the respectful fans and their enthusiastic support. He mentioned the difference in attitudes towards golf between Japan and the United States, noting, “In the US, I don’t usually get claps when I hit it to 30 feet, and here I do.”
Other Notable Performances
- Nicolai Hojgaard of Denmark tied for fourth place with an opening-round score of 68.
- Sweden’s Alex Noren was one shot behind, while Rasmus Hojgaard scored a one-over 72.
- Defending champion Nico Echavarria recorded a 70.
- Prominent US golfers Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa both finished with level-par 71s.
- England’s Matt Wallace struggled with a three-over 74.
As Greyserman aims for his first PGA Tour victory, he is determined to overcome the past and to seize his moment at the Baycurrent Classic. His determination and the support from the Japanese crowds may provide the motivation he needs to achieve success this week.
