The Blue Monster at Trump National Doral lived up to its reputation in the Cadillac Championship’s first round, but not before Cameron Young torched the course with an 8-under 64 to grab the outright lead. Trailing by four strokes in a tie for ninth, Sahith Theegala delivered a composed 3-under 69, highlighted by an explosive opening stretch of three birdies in five holes.
Theegala maintained composure after a mid-round slowdown, adding birdies on 10 and 15 to stay under par. Bogeys on 11 and 13 were the only blemishes, but with four top-10s already this year, he’s primed for a breakthrough victory. Akshay Bhatia thrilled early, hitting 3-under before a dramatic 18th-hole mishap—a tee shot into the water—cost him a share of the top 10, settling for 2-under and 15th place.
Sudarshan Yelamaraju posted 74 to tie for 52nd. Leader Young was bogey-free, excelling with irons and putter. Jordan Spieth notched an eagle on eight to join Alex Smalley at 7-under, one back. Scottie Scheffler faltered after a hot start, ending at 1-under.
Nick Taylor’s 6-under 66 has him in fourth, joined by strong showings from Nico Echavarria (67) and Gary Woodland (68). As the tournament unfolds on this demanding layout, Theegala pairs with Taylor Pendrith for round two, where maintaining momentum will be key to challenging Young’s lead.
