Carl Pettersson’s opening round 62 is tied for second lowest in tournament history, with Bill Haas in 2009. First round record is 61 set by Arjun Atwal in 2010.
Petterson currently holds tournament records for lowest 36 hole, 54 hole and 72 hole scores.
Winston-Salem native and Campbell University graduate David Mathis finished tied for second with a -7, 63, his new career low round. His previous low was 65 entering this season. He then shot 64 at the Travelers Championship five weeks ago and now 63 here. Mathis broke 70 in the opening round in just 2 of his first 19 tournaments this year. Since then, (including today) he has broken 70 in 3 of his last 5 tourneys.
Tim Clark posted an opening round 63, including an eagle on the par 5 #5, to finish the day tied for second place. His previous low round here was 64 in the first round of his last appearance in 2008.
Tom Gillis finished the day tied for fourth. After starting the day with a double bogey on #1, Gillis birdied five of the next eight holes, finishing the rest of the round at –8 for a first round score of -6, 64.
Defending champion Webb Simpson opens with -4 66, the third straight year he has shot 66 in first round. He went on to finish T8 in 2010 and won in 2011. He ties the tournament record for the low first round by a defending champion, set three previous times — most recently by Brandt Snedeker in 2008, and Sam Snead did it twice in 1950 and 1956. Davis Love III also opened with a 66 in 2008 (he didn’t play in 2007 after winning the title in 2006).
Carl Pettersson quotes …
“I drove it good, irons were good and I putted really well.”
On the greens … “It’s probably easier to make putts now because the greens are rolling pure.”
On why he plays so well here … “It’s close to home the course fits my eye very good off the tee.”
On is he still bothered by the ruling in the PGA Championship … “It did (bother me) a little bit that night but I’m fine now — it’s over and done with.”
David Mathis quotes …
“I had a great day. I played well and putted beautifully. I was thankful to get off to such a nice start and I did everything really solidly all day.”
On a recent putter switch – he went back to a putter he used last season during the Fall Finish)
“I putted it so nice, I can’t for the life of me figure out why I took it out play.”
On his place in the FedEx Cup standings):
“I try not to think about it, but its really difficult because its such a big part of the year. You get in the playoffs and then everything can change just like that.”
