LA QUINTA (Calif.) — Two familiar playing partners got their American Express started at the Nicklaus Tournament Course of PGA West on Thursday. Former Wake Forest college colleagues Cameron Young and Will Zalatoris tee up in tandem.
The past two PGA Tour Rookies of the Year winners (Zalatoris 2021 and Young 2022) were not able to play low in the first round. However, both rising stars performed well enough to remain in contention.
Young, the 17th-ranked player in the world, initially summarized his 4-under 68 with one word.
Young said in earnest, “Messy.”
This was evident right from the beginning of the round. Young’s tie for 40th at the American Express last year preceded five runner up Tour finishes in ’22. Young then bogeyed his second hole and third hole before concluding his round by making birdies on four holes.
Zalatoris is the No. Zalatoris, the No. 7 player in the world, finished day one behind Young with a 3-under-69.
Young stated that “I feel like it is a bit of a birdiefest out here, but it’s not that difficult if you aren’t playing that well.” “I felt a bit shaky at times and didn’t make much until the last hole. So, I feel like I made it out at 4 under and didn’t really hurt myself.
Ex-college roommates in the Demon Deacons’ time together, the Tour time for Young & Zalatoris was not limited to La Quinta.
Young recalled that they have played more practice rounds together over the years. “And our lockers remain next to each other every single week. “Whenever I see him, he tells me that he can’t escape from me.”
The simpatico pairing was obvious, despite the fact that it was not measured.
Young, who is competing alongside Zalatoris, said that it was “pretty simple, really comfortable I think” for them both. “It’s someone I can root with that I play with. It’s great when he does positive things. I know that he feels the same way about me.
Zalatoris could not be reached for comment after the round. He had been asked by the PGA Tour to take a random drug test.
Zalatoris shot a course record 61 on Nicklaus Tournament Course last year, which included seven consecutive birdies to end his round. Although such a score wasn’t in sight on Thursday night, the record was mentioned briefly amid banter.
Young stated that he had mentioned the matter to Young, possibly, in regard to the fact that he didn’t believe such a thing was possible today. “I felt like the hole locations were a little more difficult than last year and just a bit cooler. He was a little surprised when I brought this up to him. ‘”
Amateur playing partner Mike Whan (CEO of the United States Golf Association) was also included in the pairing. The U.S. Open will be at The Los Angeles Country Club from June 15-18. Thursday’s round offered the opportunity for pros to ask questions about the championship.
Young seized the opportunity.
Young stated, “I didn’t too much.” I was having enough trouble there already. “I wasn’t thinking of the U.S. Open.”
