PALM BEACH GARDENS (Fla.) — For twin brothers Pierceson, Parker Coody, it was a tale of two rounds at the Honda Classic’s opening day.
Pierceson shot a 4-under-par 66 on Thursday at PGA National Resort & Spa. This put him one shot behind Joseph Bramlett and Billy Horschel, who were early leaders.
Parker shot a 4-over-par 74 after a strong start. Charles Coody, 1971 Masters champion, was the grandfather of these brothers.
Pierceson, a two time winner on the Korn Ferry Tour in his first PGA Tour as a professional, said that “it was really nice.” He was an amateur at the U.S. Open 2021. Open.)
“I hit my irons well. Some of my putts were very good. I had some amazing par saves. It helped me keep my round going, and allowed me to get a few more on nine. You all know that the last few on the Bear Trap as it gets windy and whatnot can be a bit dicey so I was happy to make some Pars.”
Pierceson Coody birdied 7th par-3, hitting his tee shot at 4 feet, 6 inches. He then followed that up with a 30-foot birdie putt at No. 8 to go out at 33. He birdied the par-4 11, sinking a 23-footer. He also added a birdie at par-4 14, with an 11-foot putt.
Pierceson answered that he doesn’t feel nervous when he is asked if he feels nervous. I have only played 13 to 14 professional, whatever 15 events. It’s not much different from the grandstands. It’s just golf. You want to score a high score. There are no nerves. All I want to do is play well.
Parker Coody was playing in the trio with his brother. He finished 1-under 34, with two birdies on the front nine and a bogey in the back nine. He started the back by making a bogey on the par-4 10, and then he made a double bogey on the 11th. He was unable to reach the green on the par 4, and needed two shots.
At the par-4 13th, he had another double when his tee-shot went too left. He was forced to take a one shot penalty and hit a provisional shot. He hit the fairway with that drive, and his approach was just over eight feet. However, he two-putted. He managed to score a 5-over 40.
“Rough day. Parker Coody stated, “I made a few good par putts on the front nine and had some momentum. Then I hit a few loose tee shots on the back nine and before you know what I did I made two doubles. You just can’t do this around here.” “I didn’t make any putts in the back nine which clearly didn’t help. You’re already four over.
“Now, you’ve placed yourself in a position that I must go low tomorrow.”
This is Parker Coody’s first PGA Tour tournament as a professional. Parker Coody, a member of Korn Ferry Tour was an amateur at the Shiners Hospitals for Children Open 2020. For someone starting his first Tour, the Champion course measures 7,125 yards.
It’s a difficult course but everyone has to take it on. Parker’s father Kyle was his caddie.
Parker was asked if he was ready to fire his assistant. We’ll wait to see what he does tomorrow.
