Matt Wallace was already 5-under through six holes at the CJ CUP Byron Nelson and went on to make three more on the back nine to close with an 8-under 63 to take the lead.
“It was great. Really solid day. Got off to a great start. Three birdies to start any tournament is nice,” said Wallace. “Just a really solid round of golf. The wind started to pick up at the end, but the course is in amazing condition considering the rain we had and the delay this morning.
“Ball in hand is really important, so drove it nice for the most part. Few times I was in the semi-rough with a bid of mud on the ball which can cause a little bit of doubt.
“Top up on those, really focus on hitting my tee shots well for the next few days and we’ll be in good shape.”
The Englishman takes the No. 1 spot in the Aon Swing 5 where the top five FedExCup points earners from the Corales Puntacana Championship, Zurich Classic of New Orleans, and THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson will earn spots in the Wells Fargo Championship.
Canada’s Taylor Pendrith signed for a bogey-free 64 to take a share of second place at 7-under alongside six other players including American Chesson Hadley who made five consecutive birdies from the 5th, tying his career-best consecutive birdies.
Tee times were delayed one hour due inclement weather on Thursday and nine players will have to complete their rounds on Friday morning when more rain is expected.
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