Peter Malnati opened in 28, made a run at 59 in first round of Rocket Classic

Peter Malnati made a 9-under 61 to take the early lead in the first round of the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club on Thursday, opening the round at 28 and moving within reach of 59. The 39-year-old’s score is his PGA Tour career low; he previously posted 62 twice. He played 7-under 28 on the opening nine with seven birdies and no bogeys, then reached 8-under with a 55-foot birdie on the par-3 11th. After that, momentum stalled on the AREA 313 stretch, missing three birdie chances at holes 14, 15 and 16. He missed sub-60 aspirations but set a course record at a par-70 setup. The article also notes his 2024 Valspar exemption ending and his 170th place in the FedEx Cup standings.