Jerry Smith opened with a 64 at TPC Twin Cities and will take a two-shot lead into the second round of the 3M Championship.
Smith’s flawless round included 10 pars and eight birdies, highlighted by five gains in a six-hole stretch (Nos. 6-11), en route to an 8-under par.
“I feel very good how things went today. So yes, it’s been a little while for me. I’ve been playing okay throughout this season, but I haven’t really had any rounds like that today really probably since maybe the first tournament of the year or so,” said Smith. “Felt pretty good.”
Two-time Twin Cities winner, Kenny Perry, gained three shots in his final four holes (birdie-par-par-eagle) to sign for a 6-under 66, alongside Peter Lonard, Glen Day, and Lee Janzen.
A logjam of six players were T6, headlined by 2011 3M champion Jay Haas and 2017 Charles Schwab Cup winner Kevin Sutherland.
TOP 10 LEADERS
POS-PLAYER-TO PAR
1. Jerry Smith -8
2. Peter Lonard -6
2. Glen Day -6
2. Kenny Perry -6
2. Lee Janzen -6
6. Scott Parel -5
6. Larry Mize -5
6. Wes Short Jr. -5
6. Kevin Sutherland -5
6. Jay Haas -5
6. Tom Gillis -5
ROUND-ONE HIGHLIGHTS
QUOTABLE
You know, I talked to Kirk Triplett a little bit on the putting green the other day and just got his insight on what he saw and he offered a couple things. I probably tried to apply some of it out there today. Still not real comfortable for me, but it was on my mind. It’s always nice to get somebody else with some eyes on you.”
– Jerry Smith