Kevin Chappell became the 10th player in PGA Tour history to break 60 when carding a round of 59 on Friday at the Military Tribute at the Greenbrier.
The 33-year-old, in his first start for 10 months following a back operation, secured nine consecutive birdies – and 11 in total – in a flawless round in West Virginia.
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It moved him up to fifth on the leaderboard on -10, with Scottie Scheffler, Joaquin Niemann and Robby Shelton sharing the halfway lead on 13-under par.
Adam Long is fourth on -12 but the day belonged to Chappell and the 2017 Texas Open champion admitted he was just glad to be out competing after what he has been through.
“Ten months ago, I was laying on my couch and couldn’t get up,” he said. “I just couldn’t feel more lucky to be here right now. “To go out and have my first start back on the PGA Tour to shoot 59, get myself in contention going into the weekend, I just couldn’t be more proud of myself right now.”
Nine-under was a popular score, with six players on that mark, including Harris English and Brian Harman, while Jason Dufner has work to do to challenge over the weekend after a 66 left him on -7.
