His name is Kyle Stanley and he has played in 17 PGA Tour events and has won $313,588 in three years since turning professional in 2009, his best finish is a tie for 13th at last week’s Mayakoba Classic in Mexico, and he has played in two majors, he played his college golf at Clemson... and that’s about it.
Stanley shot a 4-under-par 66 for a 134 total, one stroke better than the infinitely better-known Rory Sabbatini, who had the day’s best round with a 6-under 64 for a 135 total on the Champion Course at PGA National Resort & Spa.
“I played well,” said Stanley, a 23-year-old from the unlikely gol hotspot of Gig Harbor, Wash., “I controlled my golf ball really well, which is what you need to do out here. And I also putted well.
“I feel like I’ve been playing well all year but haven’t quite put four good rounds together, but I’m getting better, and that’s the main thing.
I love seeing it when these young players come out of nowhere and start playing well.
