Ryan McGinnis positioned himself at the top of the leaderboard after the opening round of the CNY PGA Players Championship, carding a 5-under-par 67 to take a three-shot lead with one round to play.
McGinnis separated himself from the field with a strong opening round, finishing at 5-under and holding a three-stroke advantage over Matt Campbell, who posted a 2-under-par 70.
Eric Manning and Dennis Colligan are tied for third at even-par 72, leaving the championship within reach heading into the final 18 holes.
For McGinnis, the key to his opening round was staying committed to his game and responding when things did not go his way.
“Main focus today was commitment,” McGinnis said. “Each bogey was followed up with a birdie — most proud of that.”
McGinnis knows the job is far from finished with a talented field chasing him.
“Tomorrow is another opportunity to commit. We have a great field of great golfers and it’s going to take 18 solid holes.”
The Head Pro Championship was held concurrently with the opening round of the Players Championship, with the competition concluding after 18 holes.
Dennis Colligan captured the Head Pro Championship with an even-par 72. Colligan’s round also leaves him tied for third in the Players Championship heading into the final round.
Full Results
With just 18 holes remaining, McGinnis will look to protect his lead while Campbell, Manning and Colligan attempt to close the gap and claim the Players Championship title.
The final round also marks the last Player of the Year point event of the season.