Smotherman's Sizzling Start: Leads Cognizant Classic by One

Austin Smotherman kicked off the Cognizant Classic with a dominant performance, shooting a 9-under 62 to secure a one-stroke lead after the first round. Smotherman attributed his success to a focused approach and excellent putting, making 132 feet of putts and gaining over three strokes on the greens. His strong start was a welcome change after a two-week break, as he prepares for a busy upcoming schedule before his third child is due on March 23rd, 2026.

In contrast, five-time major champion Brooks Koepka battled windy conditions in the afternoon, resulting in a 3-over-par round. Koepka, who has faced putting woes recently, struggled to find his rhythm on the greens at PGA National. Adding to the day's events, Will Zalatoris withdrew before his tee time due to a left ankle injury, raising concerns given his recent struggles and current ranking of 252nd in the world.

The tournament also highlighted discussions about the playability of PGA National. Historically a challenging course, recent changes and overseeding have made it more accessible, with many players noting it's "gettable" in benign conditions. Billy Horschel commented on how overseeding contributes to a softer course, potentially aiding players even with missed fairways.