Lucas Glover found success at TPC Sawgrass with a remarkable performance during the opening round of The Players Championship. Historically, Glover has struggled at this course, facing early exits on ten occasions with just two top 10 finishes to his name. This time, however, he was on target, finishing with birdies on the final four holes to shoot 6-under 66, securing an early two-shot lead in one of golf’s most lucrative events.
The day was notable for its mix of scores. While the weather conditions were favorable, providing warm sunshine and a gentle breeze on fast fairways and receptive greens, some players struggled. Justin Thomas experienced difficulties, sending four tee shots into the water, ultimately concluding his round with a 78. Viktor Hovland faced similar challenges, encountering three double bogeys en route to an 80.
Jordan Spieth’s opening six holes were eventful, featuring an eagle, birdie, par, bogey, and double bogey. He ultimately concluded his round at a level 70, delivering the brand of thrilling play fans have come to anticipate.
Glover reflected on the course’s unpredictable nature, equating it to the likes of Augusta or Bay Hill where scores can swiftly rise if players are slightly off their mark. “The margins are razor thin here,” he noted, acknowledging his successful day as a product of great yardages and aggressive play, underpinned by exceptional putting.
Glover was not the sole standout. Stephan Jaeger, Aaron Rai, Alex Smalley, and Bud Cauley all finished two strokes behind him, capitalizing on the ideal March conditions in Florida.
Reigning champion Scottie Scheffler and prominent players Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele were scheduled to play in the afternoon, facing the test of a course known for its potential to punish even slight inaccuracies.
Despite a hiccup on the par-5 11th, where Glover’s aggression led to a bogey after landing in a tough bunker, his finish set him apart. Precise approaches, a chip to tap-in distance, and successful putts, including an 18-foot birdie on the island green par-3 17th, underscored his strong start.
This marked his best beginning at The Players since 2011, where he opened with a 65 only to finish tied for 50th. The 45-year-old, a former U.S. Open champion, is experiencing a career resurgence, notably conquering past struggles like the putting yips. After recent successes, including the Wyndham Championship and a FedEx Cup playoff event win in 2023, he remains eligible for the Masters.
“I just don’t want to be done at 45,” Glover admitted, expressing his desire to continue competing despite his age and challenges. The sizable Thursday crowd particularly enjoyed the iconic island green, where Glover relied on his experience to sink a significant birdie putt.
Adding to the day’s excitement, Justin Lower delivered a memorable moment by holing a shot from the drop zone for par after finding water off the tee.
