David Skinns had an impressive opening round at the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship, shooting 12-under 60 and almost joining the exclusive club of players who have shot 59 on the PGA Tour. Despite missing a birdie putt from 9 feet on his final hole, Skinns set a new course record at The Country Club of Jackson with his stellar performance on the greens.
Skinns, a 42-year-old from England, struggled off the tee but excelled approaching the green, gaining nearly five strokes on the field in that category. Once he reached the putting surfaces, Skinns hardly missed a shot, gaining almost four strokes while making an impressive 134 feet of putts on only 21 putts.
While Skinns was disappointed to miss the opportunity for a 59, he still holds a three-shot lead over PGA Tour rookie Michael Thorbjornsen after the morning wave in the Sanderson Farms Championship. Skinns credited soft greens and light winds for contributing to the low scores in the morning wave, but his score of 60 stands above them all.
Starting on the back nine, Skinns birdied his first two holes and continued his streak with birdies on four consecutive holes before the turn. He then birdied four more holes on the front nine before missing a birdie putt on the closing par-4 ninth. Despite the missed opportunity, Skinns remained focused and was pleased with his mental control and attacking mindset throughout the round.
Although Skinns has had a mix of ups and downs in his season, with some top finishes and missed cuts, he had his sights set on joining the sub-60 club on the PGA Tour. While this was his closest opportunity so far in his professional career, he remains determined to continue his strong play and secure his first PGA Tour victory.
Looking ahead, Skinns reflected on his performance and highlighted the importance of staying focused on the positives rather than dwelling on missed opportunities. He acknowledged the challenge of reading the greens but remains confident in his abilities to perform well and continue his momentum in the tournament. Skinns also mentioned his adjustments if he were to approach the putt again, showing his commitment to learning and improving in each round.
