J.T. Poston Takes Lead with Impressive 10-Under 62 in Opening Round of The American Express

In the opening round of The American Express, J.T. Poston showcased an exceptional performance that put him at the forefront with a score of 10-under 62, giving him a narrow lead over Justin Lower. On the Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West, Poston recorded an impressive nine birdies as well as an eagle, while Lower was just one stroke behind a group of players, which included Jason Day and Chris Kirk, all of whom shot 8-under.

Nick Taylor, who recently triumphed at the Sony Open, continued his strong play with a score of 65 on the Pete Dye Stadium Course. Other Canadian players, like Adam Hadwin, Mackenzie Hughes, and Adam Svensson, posted scores of 69, 70, and 71 respectively, while Ben Silverman ended his round with an even score of 72.

Poston has a good history with the courses used in the tournament, previously finishing tied for sixth and 11th in earlier editions of the event. The North Carolina player expressed confidence in his abilities, emphasizing how he feels capable of making numerous birdies when he's performing well. He also noted the rarity of making back-to-back eagles, calling it a significant boost to his score.

Tony Finau was another standout, finishing the round at 7-under, while notable figures Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay scored 67 and 68 respectively. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Blades Brown, competing on a sponsor exemption, shot a 72 in his professional debut despite a rocky start that included a double bogey.

The American Express, a tournament with a long-standing legacy as the Bob Hope Desert Classic, marks the third event in the PGA Tour season and retains a unique pro-am format. Notably, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler pulled out 10 days prior to the competition due to a hand injury.

Returning to defend his title, Nick Dunlap, who made history as the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour in over three decades, posted a score of 67 on Thursday. Reflecting on his transition to professional golf, the now 21-year-old Dunlap shared his experiences of adapting to the fast pace of life on tour, admitting it was a mix of overwhelming and exciting experiences. Despite the challenges, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pursue his dream.