Cole Hammer shot an opening 8-under 64 on the Plantation course at Sea Island to take a one-shot lead in the RSM Classic.

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“I was almost blacked out there for a little bit. It went by in a heartbeat, but at the same time was a long day. It was cold and I had very low expectations. And I’m glad I did because it was a tough day out there, there’s no question. I figured if I – par was a good score today and I found myself making putts for birdie early on and then just kind of kept going from there, but what a day.

“I almost made a birdie putt on 18, my ninth hole today, to go 5-under. And then I hit my best drive of the day on No. 1, my 10th hole, and that swing gave me some confidence going into the back nine. I hit a wedge like two feet and knocked that in. Then made a 15-footer on the next hole for birdie, which was a complete bonus. Like I really didn’t think I was going to make birdie there, but when putts like that drop, just kind of gives you a little boost.

“It was great going to the next few holes after that. I saw some cameras show up, I knew I was doing something right. Then made another birdie on 4, the par 5. Just kind of went from there. Unfortunately, I had a couple bad swings coming in, but it was a nice par putt on the last.

The American has conditional status on the Korn Ferry Tour and is playing on a sponsor exemption this week. He holds his first career PGA Tour lead after any round in his 15th Tour start.

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American Ben Griffin, also playing Plantation, shot a bogey-free 65 to take second place.

England’s Callum Tarren and American Beau Hossler(bogey-free), playing the Seaside Course, shot 64s and are tied in third place at 6-under with American Justin Suh (PL), who was named 2022 Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year earlier this week.