With the FedEx Cup playoffs starting next week, this week’s Wyndham Championship in Greensboro, N.C. is the last chance PGA Tour players have to make the top-125 cut to get into the playoffs.
Fort Collins resident Sam Saunders entered Thursday first round as one of those players who currently is on the outside looking in.
Saunders, currently placed 144th on the FedEx Cup standings, entered Thursday’s opening round knowing that he will need a top-5 finish to secure his place in the playoffs.
Saunders had a great opening day at Sedgefield Country Club, posting a five-under 65, three shots off the lead. After a slow start that saw Saunders make one birdie on the front nine, he finished with four birdies on back nine, including three consecutive birdies on 15, 16 and 17.
Currently Saunders is tied for 12th and will need to continue to play some of his best golf of the year over the next three days to ensure a top-5 finish and a spot in the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
With Tiger Woods in the field for the first time at the Wyndham Championship, more eyes will be on this tournament than usual and this could be the perfect opportunity for Saunders to shine.
Sammy Mugharbil, a Mile high Sports intern and student at MSU-Denver, contributed to this report