PALM BEACH GARDENS (Fla.) — Patience is a big virtue in professional golf. It’s important on and off the green. Justin Suh will tell you.
Suh was one of a group of young college stars that turned professional around the same time as Suh in 2019. Although Collin Morikawa and Viktor Hovland won on the PGA Tour in the early stages of their careers, Matthew Wolff was part of a young Fab Four of college stars who all turned pro around the same time in 2019. Suh suffered from a wrist injury, and didn’t get his PGA Tour card until last Fall when he won The Korn Ferry Tour Championship.
Suh is making up the time lost.
He shot a 6-under 64 Friday to claim the 36-hole lead in the Honda Classic at PGA National. After Friday’s morning wave, Suh trails Chris Kirk by one shot at 10-under 130.
Suh said that the putter “got hot” and he putt 158 feet, including 76 feet during four consecutive birdies mid-round. It was great to see the putts come in, even though I didn’t want to make them at 9 or 10. I was just trying to get them as close as possible.”
Suh, 25, appears closer to winning the PGA Tour in order to join his Fab Four brethren. Suh insists that he was focused on his career, and didn’t worry too much about the fast starts.
Suh stated that she never let the pressure get to her. “Obviously they were successful immediately, and it was great to see them play so well. For me, however, I knew that I had to improve. I kept my head down, and focused on my game.”
Suh showed patience also on Friday’s final hole, the par-5 18th at The Champion. Suh decided to play conservatively, even though he had 267 yards to go on his second shot. This is an ideal 3-wood distance.
Suk stated, “It was a perfect 3 wood,” but you can see the water to the right.
Suh used an 8-iron to reach 116 yards and then used a wedge to reach 8 feet. To move to 10-under, he made the putt and took his first lead on The PGA Tour.
Kirk was facing a 12-foot birdie shot on the same green thirty minutes earlier to tie the Honda Classic scoring records of Matt Jones (2021), and Brian Harmon (2012). Kirk missed, but said that he didn’t know it was to tie his course record.
Kirk chuckled and said, “No, I wanted birdie all three of the last three to shoot for 59.” It was a bummer that I didn’t make it. After hitting such a great wedge, I felt I deserved the birdie at 18. But I misread it. It won’t dampen a truly great day.
Ryan Gerard, a 23-year-old from Jupiter, is in third after shooting a 63. Gerard made it through an Open Qualifying Playoff Tuesday. He played the par-5s in 3-under with an eagle at No. 3.
Gerard, who is playing in his second PGA Tour event, said that Tuesday was stressful. Every shot counts in a playoff. “But I feel like a really good job of trying to remove all distractions and make sure I’m ready for golf when I get the chance.”
Eric Cole, 66-year-old Delray Beach resident and son of professional golfers Laura Baugh & Bobby Cole, tied for fourth with Ben Martin (64), at 7-under 133, after the morning wave.
Friday saw a lot of low scores, with little wind, lower rough and soft greens making the tournament a dart competition. The Honda Classic is a course that has been known for being one of the most difficult on the PGA Tour. This week, it’s become a limbo competition — can you get as low as possible?
Three players shot 65 in round one to share the lead. Eight players shot 65 or less in Friday’s morning wave. From Thursday to Friday, the average score dropped by almost 1 1/2 strokes (69.6).
Suh’s total of 130 after 36 holes is the lowest score since the Honda Classic was held at PGA National. Aaron Wise shot 128 to finish in 13 th place.
In the afternoon wave, two of the leaders in the first round, Joseph Bramlett and Billy Horschel, were playing. Carson Young shot 70 on Friday morning.
At 37, Kirk seems like a grizzled veteran on a leaderboard filled with mid-twentysomethings. He said that age is just another number when it comes to golf.
“Anyone who makes it to the PGA Tour, is an incredible player. Kirk stated, “There is no doubt about that.” Kirk said, “I don’t doubt any of the young talent here. They are a lot better than me at it and play with more confidence.
Suh demonstrated patience. Take into account: This is Suh’s first time at the Honda. He had a Wednesday pro-am tee. Six pars have been made so far on Bear Trap.
Suh avoided falling into the mental trap of going on the PGA Tour in ’19 with high expectations, only to be disappointed by the injury and poor play.
Suh stated, “Everyone is on their own path.” “All I care about is improving my daily performance,” Suh said.
Sometimes patience is the 15 th club in your pack.
