2023 Honda Classic leaderboard, scores: Young stars Justin Suh, Pierceson Coody just behind leaders in Round 1

They may not be leading the way, but the storyline of the first day of the PGA Tour in Florida is pretty clear: two young, exciting potential future stars – Justin Su and Pearson Cudi – aren’t at the top of the tournament, but can control the weekend’s narrative.

Seo was the Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year last year and Cudi is likely the favorite this year. On Thursday in the first round of the Honda Classic, they both shot 4 under.

Both players were trailing leaders Billy Horschel and Joseph Bramlett when play was suspended due to darkness, but you can be sure everyone will be focused on Soha and Kudi ahead of Friday’s second round.

Leaders

T1. Billy Horschel, Joseph Bramlett (-5)

Bramlett and Cudi teamed up to make just one bogey in their 36 holes on Thursday, which is insane considering the PGA National’s difficulties.

“I just played really solid,” Horschel said. “I didn’t do anything special. Delivered a few quality hits with iron here and there. I would not say that everything was somehow automatic and easy. But overall it was a really good day for golf. It never hurts to putt a couple of numbers 11 and 13 from 25, 30 feet. Kind of like I came in a good mood and got a good mood to go early. ”

If that sounds boring, it makes sense. Golf on difficult courses should be boring. In fact, the more boring the better. Bramlett and Horschel hit 27 greens together in regulation time on Thursday and took long enough shots to quickly take the lead. The question in the face of young, hungry stars is whether he can hold his own.

Other contenders

T3. Carson Young, Pearson Cudi, Justin Su (-4)

We don’t need to go further down the board than here. Cudi was second in the iron game. Su was 12th in driving. Both are on the hunt for what will be a big first win on the PGA Tour.

“It really feels like another professional event,” said Cudi, who was playing golf in Texas at this time last year. “I’ve only played about 13 or 14 professional or I think about 15 tournaments. But other than the big stands, it’s not that different. You are just playing golf, you are trying to score well. No. there are real nerves. Just happy to play well.”

Cudi has already won twice as a pro in just 15 starts, including one earlier this year. If he doesn’t win this week, he will likely be stuck on the Korn Ferry Tour until the end of 2023.

“I really enjoyed the Korn Ferry Tour,” Cudi said. “I’d like to have my PGA Tour [card] last year of course, but I’m still excited to play a full season of professional golf and see how well I can play. It prepares you. The first few golf courses we played I won in Panama and it’s very similar to that. Something like a tropical, Bermuda situation with strong winds.

“So it’s really cool to see my game being translated and I’m looking forward to continuing that.”

Other horses

Sungjae Im (T16) and Shane Lowry (T14) are also hiding here. Both have PGA National experience. I won the 2020 tournament and Lowry almost won a year ago before Sepp Straka beat him on the last few holes. Both finished in the top 10 in Thursday’s tea-on-the-green game and will be problematic for both the leaders and Cudi and Su.

2023 Honda Classic Updated Odds and Choices

Odds via bookmaker Caesars

• Sungjae Im: 21/4
• Billy Horschel: 11/2
• Joseph Bramlett: 10-1
• Shane Lowry: 12-1
• Justin Such: 18-1

Cudi (45-1!) plays here. That’s a crazy number considering how weak the field is and how much he’s won as a pro. I’m a rock here, and Lowry is to be trusted too, but if you’re looking for value, you can find her at Longhorn (or Suh at 18-1).