Keegan Bradley takes lead at BMW Championship

Keegan Bradley, aged 38, narrowly qualified for the top-50 field in the FedEx Cup for this week's BMW Championship. However, he demonstrated his merit by shooting an impressive 6-under 66, securing the lead on Thursday.

As the 2025 Ryder Cup captain for the United States, Bradley achieved the only bogey-free first round at Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock, Colorado.

The 2011 PGA Championship victor concluded his round with flair, making a 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole.

The joy on his face contrasted sharply with the anxiety he experienced on Sunday at the St. Jude Championship in Memphis, where he managed to secure a position within the top 50 in the Cup standings, thereby prolonging his season.

"Sunday afternoon was one of the most challenging moments of my PGA Tour career. It was truly difficult. It feels like such a relief to be here," remarked Bradley, who previously claimed victory at the BMW Championship in 2018.

"I felt significantly calmer today. However, I played exceptionally well," he added.

The three-tournament FedEx Cup format reduces the field from 70 to 50 for the second event, and subsequently to 30 for the decisive Tour Championship in Atlanta next week.

Bradley emphasized the importance of his participation this week, particularly in light of his role with Team USA and the fact that securing a position in the FedEx Cup top 50 guarantees entry into the PGA Tour's 'Signature Events' for the following season.

"I aspire to be alongside the team and the Ryder Cup members. I want to practice with them, share the locker room, and compete in the tournament. It was crucial for me to be among this top 50," he stated.

Hideki Matsuyama, who triumphed in Memphis last week, maintained his strong performance, reaching five-under and positioned on the fairway of the 18th when play was halted due to lightning and an approaching storm; he later returned to finish with a par.

South Korea's Im Sung-jae, Sweden's Alex Noren, Canada's Corey Conners, and Australia's Adam Scott trailed Bradley by two shots, each at 4-under.

Scott's inaugural PGA Tour tournament took place at this course in 2000, and he expressed satisfaction with his strong opening round performance.

"I don't believe I played particularly well here 24 years ago, but it marked the beginning of my career and my first appearance on the PGA Tour. Reflecting on the numerous events I have participated in and my sustained success in this arena, it was truly inspiring at that time, and it is enjoyable to return to the place where it all started," he remarked.

Scott noted that the distinctive challenges presented by the Colorado course necessitated a heightened level of concentration.

"Competing at this altitude and diligently focusing on each shot to avoid mistakes kept me sharp, and I quickly found a good rhythm," he stated.

Rory McIlroy, a three-time FedEx Cup champion, was three-under par and on the 18th hole when play was halted. He had recorded an eagle on the par-5 14th hole, but upon the resumption of play, he made a bogey on the 18th, finishing with a score of 70.

Scottie Scheffler, the leader in the FedEx Cup standings and the Masters champion, finished with a score of 1-under 71, having recorded bogeys on the 13th and 15th holes.