Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
Oct 8, 2026 10:33 PM
Updated Oct 9, 2026 5:45 PM
Jacob Bridgeman fires a bogey-free 63 to lead the Baycurrent Classic in Japan, with Jordan Smith one shot behind and Max Homa among four players tied for third.
Jacob Bridgeman apparently didn't need much time to recover from his Presidents Cup heroics.
The American golfer fired a bogey-free, 8-under 63 Thursday to grab the first-round lead at the 2026 Baycurrent Classic, continuing an impressive run that has made him one of the PGA Tour's hottest players.
Playing his first tournament since sinking the decisive putt for the United States at the Presidents Cup, Bridgeman recorded eight birdies at Yokohama Country Club to establish a one-shot advantage over England's Jordan Smith.
Not bad for someone still battling jet lag.
"I felt a little rusty to be honest, but I was able to score the ball well," Bridgeman admitted afterward.
His putter certainly didn't look rusty.
Bridgeman led the field in Strokes Gained: Putting during the opening round, repeatedly converting opportunities while avoiding costly mistakes.
Smith kept the pressure on with a bogey-free 64, continuing a promising first full season on the PGA Tour.
The Englishman has made 17 cuts in 23 starts this season, including six top-20 finishes. A victory in Japan would provide a significant boost to his standing heading into 2027.
"I'm very, very happy," Smith said of his rookie campaign. "I've enjoyed it a lot, it's been good fun."
Four players sit just two shots behind Bridgeman after posting matching 65s.
Max Homa joined Pierceson Coody, Mac Meissner and Ricky Castillo at 6 under, keeping the leaderboard crowded heading into Friday.
Meissner produced one of the day's most impressive turnarounds, playing his final nine holes in 6 under. Castillo provided another highlight by holing out for eagle at the par-4 15th.
Japanese favorite Hideki Matsuyama, the tournament's 2021 champion, opened with a 67 and shares 12th place at 4 under with Collin Morikawa, Min Woo Lee and Ryo Hisatsune.
Defending champion Xander Schauffele faces an uphill battle after shooting 70, leaving him seven strokes behind Bridgeman.
Jordan Spieth opened with a 72, while Rickie Fowler struggled to a 73.
With no 36-hole cut in the 72-player field, everyone will have an opportunity to compete throughout the weekend.
But after Thursday's performance, the biggest question is whether anyone can slow Bridgeman down.
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