- Kevin Roy cards career-best 62 with 11 birdies
- Chris Gotterup falters on final hole to trail by one
- Weather delay impacts 18 players' unfinished rounds
In a dramatic display of precision golf, 34-year-old Kevin Roy delivered a masterclass at Grand Reserve Golf Club, recording his first sub-63 PGA Tour round. The former Korn Ferry Tour graduate capitalized on soft conditions following morning rains, sinking 11 birdies including a miraculous bunker shot after play resumed. This performance marks a career resurrection for Roy, who missed 22 cuts in his rookie season before regaining Tour status.
The tournament’s timing opposite the Arnold Palmer Invitational creates unique opportunities for emerging players. Roy’s 62 – achieved through clinical iron play (78% greens in regulation) and a tournament-leading 4.33 strokes gained putting – demonstrates the competitive depth beyond marquee PGA events. Industry analysts note alternate tournaments like this contribute $12M annually to Puerto Rico’s sports tourism economy.
Chris Gotterup’s 18th-hole collapse proved pivotal when his drive found water, resulting in his lone bogey. The Rutgers alum had matched Roy’s pace through 17 holes, showcasing the pressure-cooker environment of Tour qualifying events. With 18 players yet to complete Round 1, including four at 6-under, the leaderboard remains volatile.
Meteorological factors played a surprising role, as the 60-minute rain delay allowed Roy to reset mentally. “Coming back to that bunker shot required complete focus,” Roy admitted post-round. Such weather interruptions cost PGA tournaments an average of $287k hourly in lost revenue, per Tour financial disclosures.
The Puerto Rico Open’s coastal winds and paspalum grass present unique challenges, making Roy’s 10-under particularly impressive. Local course superintendent María Cortés noted, “These conditions favor strategic shot-makers over pure power hitters.” This aligns with Roy’s 286-yard driving average, ranking 147th on Tour.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will monitor whether Roy can maintain this form. Only 23% of first-round leaders in opposite-field events convert to victories, but his renewed confidence suggests potential for a career-defining breakthrough.