FORT WORTH, Texas – When it comes to local knowledge at PGA Tour events, few players can rival the advantage Ryan Palmer has this week at the Dean & DeLuca Invitational.
Palmer lives in nearby Colleville and is a member at Colonial Country Club, site of this week’s event. What’s more, his caddie, James Edmonson, is also a Colonial member and a former club champion.
The duo put their experience to good use Thursday in the opening round, as Palmer shot a 4-under 66 to sit two shots off the early pace set by Bryce Molder.
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“It is comfortable,” Palmer said. “Coming back where I’m a member at, where James and I play numerous rounds together with all the guys in a big game, it’s a golf course I can step on to each tee and I don’t even need my yardage book. It was a solid day.”
Palmer finished T-5 at this event in both 2012 and 2014, and his best result this season also came in the Lone Star State, a T-4 at the Valero Texas Open. While Palmer hasn’t won on Tour since the 2010 Sony Open, snapping that victory drought in front of friends and family would certainly carry with it a little extra meaning.
After a round that included five birdies against just one bogey, he’s given himself a chance.
“I kept it in play, hit all the fairways and it was nice to get a couple there at the end on (Nos.) 15 and 17,” he said. “Any time you shoot 4 under on a Thursday, you’re off to a good start.”
