PGA Tour news: Ryan Palmer and Charley Hoffman lead QBE Shootout team event
- Planet Sport writer
- 10 December 2022
American duo Ryan Palmer and Charley Hoffman grabbed a two-stroke lead after the opening round of the QBE Shootout, the PGA Tour's final event of the year.
Palmer and Hoffman combined for a 16-under par 56 scramble score in the annual invitational pairs event in Naples, Florida that included 10 birdies and three eagles.
"We put ourself in great positions to make birdies," Hoffman said.
"I would say very low stress all day long. Ryan made some great putts. I was able to hit some good drives and be able to capitalise on pretty much all our shots."
Canada's Corey Conners and South Korean Lee Kyoung-hoon fired a 58 to share second with Americans Max Homa and Kevin Kisner.
The 12 duos will compete in a modified alternate shot format on Saturday and in four-ball in Sunday's final round.
"Tomorrow is a tougher format, but it sure helps to jump start when you can shoot a low one on the first round," Palmer said. "If we're both hitting it well, I think we'll have a lot of chances."
Two LPGA players are competing in the event. World No 2 Nelly Korda is paired with Denny McCarthy, while Lexi Thompson is playing with. Both duos are tied for fourth, four strokes off the pace.