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Here’s what you missed from Round 1 of the AT&T Byron Nelson

Jessica MarksburyBy Jessica Marksbury
May 9, 2019

We’re less than one week away from the second major of the year, the PGA Championship at Bethpage Black, but we still have some stars to keep an eye on in Texas before we get there. Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed and Henrik Stenson are hoping to get some last-minute competitive reps in at Trinity Forest this week. And surprise! Tony Romo is in the field too.

Here’s everything you missed from Thursday’s action in Dallas.

Denny McCarthy leads the AT&T Byron Nelson by one shot after Round 1.
Denny McCarthy leads the AT&T Byron Nelson by one shot after Round 1.
USA Today Sports
Denny McCarthy leads

The 26-year-old won the 2018 Web.com Tour Championship but has yet to notch a victory on the PGA Tour. Could this be his week? If he can keep up today’s pace, he’ll be golden.

How about this round, folks: McCarthy started on Hole No. 1 on Thursday. He made three routine pars, then hit it into the native area on the right side of the fourth hole. Ended up making a double. So, he’s two over after four. Not an ideal start. But then, McCarthy went on a birdie barrage like no other. The dude made TEN (yes TEN!!!) birdies on his remaining 14 holes to finish with an eight-under-par 63. What a comeback!

McCarthy currently holds a one-shot lead over two players tied for second at seven under par.

Jordan Spieth hits a shot during the 2019 RBC Heritage.
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Brooks Kopeka isn’t the current favorite to win next week’s PGA Championship (that would be Tiger Woods), but the three-time major winner looks to be in fine form thus far in Texas.

Koepka carded eight birdies and two bogeys for a relatively stress-free 65. He’s only two shots shy of the lead.

Jim Nantz Brooks Koepka
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How'd the other headliners play?

Henrik Stenson made six birdies and two bogeys to finish at four under par, four shots behind McCarthy’s lead. Hideki Matsuyama is also four under, and Jordan Spieth’s seven birdies were derailed by two bogeys and a double. He’s three under overall and five behind the lead. Patrick Reed made three birdies and two bogeys to finish one under.

Jordan Spieth reads a putt during the RBC Heritage.
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Where did Tony Romo finish?

Romo had a colorful card on Thursday, with a birdie, bogey, eagle and a double — and that was just on the front. Unfortunately, after an even par first nine, Romo couldn’t get anything going on the back nine, which included yet another double and more bogeys. He’s currently situated near the bottom of the leaderboard, but hey, there’s always tomorrow!