RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico — In a remarkable display of skill, Kevin Roy returned from a weather-induced pause and skillfully executed a bunker shot for his tenth birdie out of eleven, resulting in a remarkable 10-under 62. This stellar performance at the Puerto Rico Open secured him a temporary lead.
The round marked a personal best on the PGA Tour for the 34-year-old golfer. During his debut season in 2022-23, he managed to make the cut nine times out of 31 appearances. Last year, Roy re-earned his spot on the tour through the Korn Ferry Tour, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Chris Gotterup was challenging for the lead, also sitting at 10 under as he approached the par-4 18th hole. Unfortunately, his drive veered off course into a small water hazard, resulting in his sole bogey of the day at Grand Reserve Golf Club, leaving him one stroke behind.
Both Rasmus Neergard-Petersen and Davis Riley carded impressive rounds of 64 in the favorable playing conditions of the tournament, held concurrently with the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. The rain delay resulted in 18 participants unable to finish their rounds due to fading light. Among them, four players were positioned at 6 under with holes remaining.
Roy’s journey to the top began with him being at 9 under after 15 holes when rain interrupted play. When he resumed on the par-3 seventh hole, his 7-iron landed his ball into a greenside bunker. However, his recovery from the sand was exceptional, gently rolling into the hole.
“That was quite unexpected, I must say. Not the hole I’d choose to resume on,” Roy humorously remarked. “The sand was just right, aiming simply to save par, and it turned into something more when it rolled in.”
Although he recorded a bogey right after, Roy concluded the day with a birdie. “Everything seemed to align perfectly today,” he reflected with evident satisfaction.
