Cameron Young alone in the lead, Scheffler in ambush, Pavon unseated

Still looking for a first victory on the PGA Tour, American Cameron Young took control of the Hero World Challenge on the Albany course in the Bahamas by posting a remarkable 64.

Author of a 59 this year at the Travelers Championship, Cameron Young estimated that his start to the tournament on Thursday in the Bahamas, sanctioned by a card of 64 without the slightest false note, was undoubtedly his second best performance of the year.

The American who has never managed to win on the PGA Tour since his debut in 2022, and despite an exceptional first year crowned by a Rookie of The Year title, is however still far from the goal.

Justin Thomas on a cloud

He has the new dad after him Justin Thomas. The double winner of PGA Championship managed a return in 30 and returned a card of 66 to reach the final part with his compatriot on Friday.

Taking advantage of perfect conditions, without wind, the vast majority of the 20 guests of Tiger Woods played under par.

Three of the eight players new to this end-of-season tournament even managed to climb onto the provisional podium at the end of the first day.

Akshay Bhatia, Ludwig Åberg et Sahith Theegala, have in fact signed an excellent 67 synonymous with 3rd place alongside the defending champion Scottie Scheffler and its new putting grip.

Matthieu Pavon in the tough

This is unfortunately not the case for Matthew Pavon who seemed to be struggling with his iron shots from the start of the day with three bogeys conceded in seven holes.

Despite a great reaction from the start of the return, with two birdies at 10 and 13, where the French number 1 made an approach of just over 20 meters, the two bogeys, consecutive to two missed greens at 17 and at 18 relegated Pavon to the bottom of the rankings.

At +2 total he is 10 shots behind the leader.

Leaderboard

Photo © DAVID CANNON / David Cannon Collection / Getty Images via AFP