JT Poston carded an eagle and nine birdies en route to a 10-under-par 62 and a one-stroke lead after the opening round of The American Express on Thursday in La Quinta, California.
Poston started his round on the back nine at the Nicklaus Tournament Cours eand came in with 32 at the turn with four birdies. He recovered from his lone bogey of the day at the par-4 first with three successive birdies.
He picked up further shots at the sixth and eighth, while sandwiched in between was an eagle at the par-5 seventh courtesy of a 30-foot putt.
The 31-year-old has three career wins on the PGA Tour, including the 2024 Shriners Children's Open in October and started the week 35th in the world rankings.
"I think it kind of suits the strengths of my game," Poston said of the tournament and its three courses.
"I feel like my strengths are putting, especially when the greens are this good. I feel like I can go out there and make a bunch of birdies like I did (Thursday), so I feel like a tournament like this sort of plays into that."
Justin Lower is a shot behind Poston after a 63 at La Quinta Country Club. A five-way tie for third place at eight-under 64 consists of Americans Joel Dahmen, Chris Kirk and JJ Spaun as well as Australia's Jason Day and Germany's Matti Schmid.
Nick Dunlap, who at this event last year became the first amateur in 33 years to win on the PGA Tour, is tied for 28th following a 67 the La Quinta course. Michael Thorbjornsen took antibiotics for his tonsillitis and opened with a 65 at the same course.
