PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Ricky Barnes carved a place atop the leaderboard early Thursday in the first round of The Honda Classic at PGA National before slipping to an even-par 70 and middle of a quality pack.
It’s an unfamiliar spot for Barnes, in his eighth season on the PGA Tour. He has played exceptionally well in first rounds this season, with a 67.60 scoring average entering the Florida Swing, to rank second on Tour.
Of his first 11 events, Barnes has recorded only one opening round over par, a 2-over 74 at the Frys.com Open, where he would miss the cut — one of only two weekends off this season.