David Skinns of England reacts on the eighth green during the first round of the Sanderson Farms Championship 2024 (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
"Friday Fore-cast" prepares you for golf's major tours heading into the weekend. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights for RG. In this installment: Fichardt Leads In Scotland, Skinns Flirts With 59, Korn Ferry Tour Championship, Hurricane Helene.
South African Fichardt Leads at Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
The 2024 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship kicked off with a remarkable display of skill from South African golfer Darren Fichardt. His outstanding performance at the Kingsbarns Golf Links, where he scored an impressive 61, placed him in the lead after the first day of this prestigious event.
Starting his day on the tenth hole, Fichardt had a bit of a rocky start but quickly picked up momentum, with two eagles and nine birdies, against only two bogeys, to finish the day at 11 under par. The 49-year-old wowed the crowd, leaving everyone excited to see a potential 59. Hopes were dashed, however, with a bogey on the eighth. Fichardt did end on a strong note, draining a 12-foot birdie on the ninth.
Cameron John of Australia trails Fichardt by just one stroke after shooting an impressive 62 at Kingsbarns.
The day also saw impressive performances from Scott Jamieson (Kingsbarns), Daniel Hillier (St. Andrews Old Course), and Andrew Wilson (Kingsbarns), all posting nine under par. Wilson, in particular, made a mark with a hole-in-one at the eighth hole on Kingsbarns, putting him in that tie for third at nine under.
Looking back at his round, Fichardt seemed pleased with his performance. Despite a few setbacks, it was a very solid day. The highlight of the round was an incredible 100-foot eagle putt on the twelfth, which was his third hole of the day.
In his post-round comments, Fichardt admitted daydreaming about scoring a magical 59. He said, "I started wondering if it was a par 72 or 73 due to Branden Grace's past 60. I just kept my focus, hoping for everything to fall into place."
Skinns Flirts With 59 In Mississippi, Leads By 3
In the vibrant heart of Mississippi, the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship opening day was headlined by David Skinns' electric performance. Skinns dazzled by coming ever so close to achieving golf's magical number—a 59. Ultimately, he would settle with a score of 60, just one shot shy of joining that elite club of sub-60 shooters. Skinns' extraordinary opening round has firmly placed him as the frontrunner as he goes for his first PGA TOUR title.
With his round of nine under par 63, Michael Thorbjornsen also emerged as a name to watch going into Friday's second round. Gary Woodland and Ben Griffin sit tied in third with matching 64's. Nine players share in a tie for 5th with 65's, including my pick, Canadian Mackenzie Hughes.
The visual splendor of the Country Club of Jackson provided more than just a picturesque view; it presented a formidable challenge on Thursday. The fast greens demanded precision putting, while the 7,500-yard Dick Wilson layout, later updated by John Fought and Mike Gogel, tested the mental fortitude of the entire field.
Thursday's leaders have set an extremely high bar, amplifying the anticipation of seeing how the rest of the field will respond over the next three days. The unpredictable nature of golf ensures nothing is set in stone, and that uncertainty fuels our excitement as fans to tune in to the PGA TOUR each week.
Korn Ferry Tour Championship Sees Kohles Setting The Pace
The opening round at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship set the stage for an exciting showdown over the next three days. Ben Kohles emerged as a strong contender, leading the pack with a stellar 7-under 65 on Thursday. With Julian Etulain finishing just one stroke off the lead with a solid 66, the stage is set for a thrilling ride over the next three days.
Other notables on the leaderboard included standout performances by Trace Crowe and Ryan McCormick, each excelling at 5-under. The day was not without surprises; fan favorite Sam Bennett, who sits on the bubble for gaining his PGA TOUR card, could only manage an even par round of 72, adding tension to his prospects for this critical week.
With French Lick's Pete Dye course favoring those who possess precision and a lot of patience, the next three rounds promise to test the skill and composure of these aspiring PGA TOUR professionals.
Golf World Feeling the Far-Reaching Impacts of Hurricane Helene
Many parts of the Southeastern United States were ravaged by the effects of Hurricane Helene last week. From Florida through the Carolinas, the devastation and heartbreak Helene left in her wake has been widespread, including a death toll creeping ever closer to 200.
Augusta, GA, and Augusta National Impacted By Helene
Masters chairman Fred Ridley said on Thursday that Augusta National and the greater Augusta community sustained extensive damage. Ridley made the remarks in a press conference at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Japan, an event supported and run by the Master's Tournament Committee.
Augusta National announced on Thursday that it will donate $5 million to the Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund, providing crucial support for local relief efforts throughout the greater Augusta community.
John Daly Among Thousands to Lose Home From Helene
Fan favorite John Daly said on Wednesday that his Clearwater, Florida, home was a total loss due to Hurricane Helene. Daly said the hurricane was the worst he had ever seen.
Daly shared with PGATOUR.COM the following thoughts on the deadly storm:
"I'm just glad everyone is healthy; that's the main thing. When you live in Florida, you must understand this will happen, but not like this. I didn't think it would be this bad."
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
