Canadian golfer Taylor Pendrith had a remarkable start at the Shriners Children’s Open, shooting a record-breaking 10-under 61 in the first round. Pendrith ended his round needing an eagle to shoot 59 but settled for a 61 after missing a bunker shot on the final hole. Despite narrowly missing out on a historic score, he managed to take a three-shot lead.
Former UNLV golfers Harry Hall and Garrick Higgo were among the players tied at 7-under 64. Conditions are expected to get tougher in the upcoming rounds with temperatures dropping and strong winds forecasted.
Pendrith, who was playing his first tournament since September’s Presidents Cup, was pleased with his performance and credited his accuracy with wedges and putting for his success. He expressed his hope to maintain his form in the challenging conditions ahead.
Several players with local ties performed well, with Hall and Ghim making strong starts. Hall capitalized on the calm morning conditions, while Ghim showcased his birdie-making ability throughout the round. Higgo, who faced tougher conditions in the afternoon, finished strong with a 64.
Among other notable performances, former UNLV standout Ryan Moore shot a 65, while two-time defending champion Tom Kim recovered from a shaky start to finish at 2-under 69. However, Joel Dahmen faced a setback after being penalized for carrying more than 14 clubs in his bag.
Looking ahead to the second round, players will face changing weather conditions that could impact their gameplay. The tee times for Friday’s round include a mix of experienced golfers and promising talents, setting the stage for an exciting day of golf at TPC Summerlin.
