Byrd Leads Four Tigers at PGA

CLEMSON, SC – Former Clemson All-American Jonathan Byrd shot a one over par 73 and is in a tie for 66th place after the first round of the PGA Championship at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, SC.  Byrd is one of four former Tigers playing in the first major in the state of South Carolina.

Byrd had a wild round, shooting 39 on the back nine, his first nine of the day, followed by a 34 on the front side. He is tied with former Major Champions Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson and Retief Goosen at one over par.

Byrd made the cut at the Masters and the US Open earlier this year and is hoping to make the cut at the PGA for the first time since 2006 when he finished 20th at Medinah Country Club near Chicago, IL.

Lucas Glover shot a five-over par 77 in the first round and is in 132nd place.  Michael Hoey, a regular on the European Tour, and a former Tiger from 1999-00, is a shot back at 78 and in 137th place.  Kyle Stanley, who is the highest ranked former Tiger on the money list with over $2.2 million earned so far this year, shot an eight over par 80 in the first round.

Across the country in Springfield, MO, former Clemson All-American Matt Hendrix fired a nine under par 63 in the first round of the Price Cutter Championship.  Hendrix made an eagle on the first hole and did not have a bogey on his card. He has a one shot lead over James Nitties and Doug Barron.

All six former Clemson players in the tournament shot under par on Thursday.  Charles Warren and Kevin Johnson are at three -under par.  Ben Martin and Brent Delahoussaye are at two under and Sam Saunders is at one under.