Daniel Chopra shares first-round lead at PGA TOUR Champions Q-School's Final Stage

Daniel Chopra, Micah Rudosky, and Bryan Hoops Lead After First Round

Daniel Chopra, Micah Rudosky, and the lone amateur, Bryan Hoops, are tied for the lead after the opening round of the PGA TOUR Champions Qualifying Tournament (Final Stage), held at TPC Scottsdale (Champions Course). Chopra, a two-time PGA TOUR winner, shot a bogey-free 7-under 64 to start his competition.

At the end of the 72-hole tournament, the top five finishers will earn exemptions into all open, full-field PGA TOUR Champions events in the 2024 season. A playoff will take place if there are ties for the top positions.

Amateur Bryan Hoops, who is the only amateur in the field, offset one bogey with eight birdies to match Chopra's 7-under 64. Hoops expressed his enjoyment of playing with professional golfers and the lack of pressure on him as an amateur. He also benefits from the advantage of being a local and getting to sleep in his own bed during the tournament.

Micah Rudosky's Strong Finish and Putting Zone

Micah Rudosky, from Cortez, Colorado, also shot a bogey-free 7-under 64 in the opening round. Rudosky birdied three of his final five holes and credited his putter for helping him settle down. Despite being nervous every time he plays golf, Rudosky gains confidence from hitting good shots. His recent good play has boosted his confidence and allowed him to perform better.

Australian Cameron Percy and Shane Bertsch are one stroke behind the leaders with their 6-under 65s. Percy, who is turning 50 in 2024, has been playing well recently and is excited to have a chance to earn his PGA TOUR Champions card this week at the qualifying tournament.

Notable Performances and Next Round

Baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz struggled in the first round and finished with a 9-over 80. Simon Griffiths was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard. The top five finishers in the tournament will earn PGA TOUR Champions cards, while players finishing sixth through 30th will have the opportunity to apply for PGA TOUR Champions Associate Membership for the 2024 season.

The tournament features a strong field with 20 players who have a combined total of 46 titles on the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions. The weather for the first round was sunny with a high of 80 degrees. The tee times for the second round will start from 8:30 AM to 10:42 AM MT off Nos. 1 and 10 at TPC Scottsdale (Champions Course).