PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — After a challenging opening round, both Brooks Koepka and Ben Silverman showed impressive resilience at the Cognizant Classic. As they head into the weekend, Koepka is positioned to contend while Silverman celebrates his opportunity to play. The pair are tied at 2 under par, with Koepka shooting a remarkable 5-under 66 on Friday, significantly improving on his previous score. Silverman also made strides, finishing his round with a 3-under 67, cutting six strokes from his first round.
Koepka, a five-time major champion and Palm Beach County native, emphasized that his ambitions extend beyond merely making the cut. “If I’m out here to try to make cuts, I’m probably done,” he stated. His performance on Friday saw him make six birdies, a stark improvement from his earlier round where he managed only two. Despite hitting just six of 14 fairways, his putting skills were notably sharper. “I hit it a lot worse today,” Koepka said. “Didn’t drive it nearly as good. Iron play wasn’t as good, but the putter was better.”
Smotherman Maintains Dominance
Leading the tournament is Austin Smotherman, who holds a three-shot advantage after carding a 69 on Friday. His highlight came with a stunning 55-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th hole. Taylor Moore follows closely in second place at 8 under after shooting a second consecutive 67, while A.J. Ewart delivered the round of the day with a 64, putting him at 7 under and tied for third with Nico Echavarria.
Ewart, who honed his skills at Barry University in Miami Shores, expressed excitement at competing in a place he has long admired. “Coming into the week, I had never actually played the golf course, but I felt like I knew it just from watching it,” Ewart noted, adding that he enjoyed following Koepka during his time as a fan.
Silverman’s Journey to the Weekend
Silverman’s path to the tournament was filled with determination. Initially an alternate, he climbed the ranks to secure a spot in the field after a series of withdrawals. “My focus going into the week was I’m taking a week off at home, and if I get in, great,” Silverman explained. After starting as the 15th alternate, his fortunes changed rapidly, allowing him to participate.
His rounds of 73-67 not only ensured his place for the weekend but also provided him with the chance to play alongside Koepka and other seasoned professionals. “I would love to play in a group like that every day, major winners, multiple PGA Tour winners,” Silverman shared. “It’s a different vibe, different energy amongst the players, amongst the crowd. I like that environment. That’s where I want to be.”
Both players will look to capitalize on their momentum as they prepare for the weekend. As Koepka aptly remarked, “I think he’ll enjoy his sleep tonight,” referring to Silverman’s rigorous schedule and early wake-up calls. With the stage set for an exciting finish, all eyes will be on the performance of these golfers at PGA National.
