Imagine teeing off on a pristine California morning, the Pacific Ocean glistening in the background, and nearly every golfer in the field firing off birdies like it’s a casual Sunday round. But here’s where it gets controversial: while most players thrived in these dream conditions, Scottie Scheffler—one of golf’s most consistent scorers—struggled to break par, leaving fans scratching their heads. Was it just an off day, or is there more to the story? Let’s dive in.
At the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Ryo Hisatsune stole the show with a stunning 62, seizing the lead on a day when low scores were the norm. Hisatsune, fresh off a runner-up finish at Torrey Pines, strung together three straight birdies early and closed with another trio to cap his flawless round. And this is the part most people miss: Hisatsune’s 62 wasn’t just about birdies—it was about precision, especially on the tricky par-4 ninth, where he was the only player to birdie.
Meanwhile, Chris Gotterup continued his red-hot streak, firing a 64 that included nine consecutive birdies across two rounds on two vastly different courses. Gotterup’s consistency, from the desert heat of the Phoenix Open to the coastal chill of Pebble Beach, is nothing short of remarkable. He admitted, ‘I was kind of just coasting along, and then you look up and think, ‘Wow, I’m 6 under through six.’ That’s nice.’
Keegan Bradley, playing at the tougher Spyglass Hill, matched Hisatsune’s pace early with a birdie-eagle-birdie burst and finished just one shot back. Bradley’s clean card on a course known for its challenges in calm conditions was a masterclass in adaptability. ‘It’s about as nice of a day as I’ve ever seen out here,’ he said, though he noted the soft greens made some putts ‘a little dicey.’
Defending champion Rory McIlroy, however, stumbled with two double bogeys on Spyglass’s par 5s, settling for a 68. For McIlroy, it was a reminder that even the best can falter on these demanding layouts.
Now, back to Scheffler. His day began with a clump of mud on his ball at the par-5 second, sending his shot 30 yards left of the green. From there, it was an uphill battle. He managed just one birdie in the opening stretch and struggled with the wind on the back nine. ‘I feel like I’m playing pretty well,’ he said. ‘Just one of those days.’ But here’s the question: Is Scheffler’s slip-up a minor hiccup, or a sign of something deeper? Let us know in the comments.
Sam Burns, another standout, overcame a slow start with a bold approach on the oceanfront 8th hole, setting up a 12-foot birdie. He then caught fire on the back nine, carding five birdies in six holes, including a jaw-dropping pitch-in from 30 yards on the 13th. Burns’s putting was the difference-maker, with long bombs from 45 and 30 feet sealing his spot near the top.
Tony Finau and Patrick Rodgers joined Gotterup at 64, while former Pebble champions Nick Taylor and Tom Hoge trailed closely at 65. Jordan Spieth added some flair with a full wedge eagle at Spyglass, finishing just a shot further back.
As the tournament heats up, one thing is clear: Pebble Beach, with its breathtaking views and forgiving conditions, is a stage where fortunes can shift in an instant. But is it too easy? Some argue the lack of wind turns it into a birdie-fest, while others say it’s a true test of precision. What do you think? Is Pebble Beach a pushover, or does it still demand respect? Share your thoughts below—we’re eager to hear your take!
