Canadian golfer Taylor Pendrith had an impressive first round at the Shriners Children’s Open, narrowly missing out on shooting a sub-60 round on the PGA Tour. Despite making 10 birdies, he was denied a final-hole eagle that would have secured him a score of 59. Pendrith’s drive on the par-5 ninth was a remarkable 356 yards, but a mishit approach shot landed him in the front greenside bunker. Despite the challenging position, he attempted to hole the bunker shot but ultimately settled for a 10-under 61.
Representing the International Team at the Presidents Cup and winning the CJ Cup Byron Nelson earlier this year, Pendrith showcased his skill on the course. Taking advantage of ideal scoring conditions at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, he took an early three-stroke lead over his competitors. Pendrith demonstrated remarkable accuracy and distance off the tee, ranking first in driving distance and fourth in Strokes Gained: Approach the Green. Additionally, his putting was on point, ranking first in SG: Putting, culminating in an exceptional performance.
Despite limited practice leading up to the event, Pendrith exceeded expectations in the first round. Having only touched a club a few times since his last tournament in August, he was pleasantly surprised by his strong start at the Shriners Children’s Open. Not having played due to Hurricane Milton in South Florida, Pendrith was initially concerned about being rusty but quickly found his rhythm on the course. His consistent performance, with no missed cuts since the PGA Championship in May, highlights his talent and determination.
Pendrith’s near-59 round at TPC Summerlin showcased his ability to capitalize on favorable conditions and maintain a high level of play despite limited practice. With his exceptional driving distance, precise approach shots, and strong putting, he was able to secure an early lead in the tournament. His experience at top-level competitions like the Presidents Cup and CJ Cup Byron Nelson undoubtedly contributed to his success on the course. Moving forward, Pendrith aims to continue his impressive performance and build on his momentum in the remaining rounds of the tournament.
The pressure of potentially shooting a sub-60 round did not deter Pendrith’s focus on the course, as he remained committed to executing each shot to the best of his abilities. Despite narrowly missing out on an eagle on the final hole, his ten birdies reaffirmed his skill and determination as a professional golfer. As he adapts to the tournament’s challenges and competition in the following rounds, Pendrith’s strong start serves as a testament to his talent and readiness to compete at the highest level.
