Making his third PGA Tour start, Davis Thompson shot a tournament-record 63 to secure a two-shot lead after day one of the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
Playing on a sponsor’s exemption, the former world No. 1 amateur signed for a bogey-free scorecard containing nine birdies, highlighted by three in his first four and two straight to close.
“I mean, I thought my attitude was pretty good today,” said Thompson, the 2021 SEC Player of the Year at the University of Georgia.
“I knew I was leading or close to the lead and I just kept my emotion in check and just focused on my routine and just being present and playing each hole individually.”
Thompson added, “I mean, you get off to a good start, you kind of ride the wave coming in. I knew I was hitting it good all week. I was close last week and missed the cut, but I just kind of knew that I was close to playing well.
“Obviously it showed today and hopefully I can do it again the rest of the week.”
Brandon Hagy, Tom Lewis and Joaquin Niemann were tied for second on 7-under par 65, one clear of Seamus Power and J.J. Spaun, who posted matching 66s.
Jason Day headlined a group of 13 players at T7 on 5-under 67, while Bubba Watson was among 16 more deadlocked on 4-under 68, tied for 20th.
Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson were T36 on 3 under 69.
2021 Rocket Mortgage Classic
Top-10 Leaders: Round One
Pos-Player-To Par-(Score)
1. Davis Thompson -9 (63)
2. Brandon Hagy -7 (63)
2. Tom Lewis -7 (65)
2. Joaquin Niemann -7 (66)
5. Seamus Power 6 (66)
5. JJ Spaun -6 (66)
7. 13 Players Tied -5 (67)
Notables
Pos-Player-To Par-(Score)
7. Jason Day -5 (67)
20. Bubba Watson -4 (68)
36. Phil Mickelson -3 (69)
36. Patrick Reed -3 (69)
36. Webb Simpson -3 (69)
56. Rickie Fowler -2 (70)
56. Hideki Matsuyama -2 (70)
56. Will Zalatoris -2 (70)
110. Gary Woodland E (72)
110. Bryson DeChambeau E (72)
Material from PGA Tour Media & Communications was used to compile report.