FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – Former Twin Michael Cuddyer was a big-league third baseman who hailed from Chesapeake, Va. He finished his career with the Mets, playing with David Wright, another now-retired third baseman from Chesapeake.
Wright is the honorary ambassador of the PGA Championship at Bethpage Black. Wright's role and Cuddyer's friendship with him allowed Cuddyer to witness history from inside the ropes Thursday.
Brooks Koepka shot a course-record 63 in the first round, and Cuddyer and Wright walked alongside.
"I went to the PGA at Oak Hill in 2003 when I was in Rochester on a rehab assignment," Cuddyer said. "With David, the access here is a little better. We were on 17 with Tiger's group hearing the crowd cheer and I was pinching myself. Brooks came over to talk to us [Wednesday]. He's an impressive guy."
Koepka honored the ballplayers by chasing a double. If he wins the PGA for a second consecutive year, he will become the first player ever to hold back-to-back titles from two majors concurrently. He's also won the past two U.S. Opens.
Cuddyer might want to apply to be the honorary ambassador for the 3M Open in Blaine in July. Koepka has committed to play in the tournament, and judging by the way he played Thursday, it wouldn't be shocking if he showed up at the 3M having won the PGA and another U.S. Open.
Danny Lee is in second place after shooting a 64 on the par-70 course. No other player shot better than 67, and Lee's round felt like stealing. He hit only 10 greens in regulation and required only 21 putts, his lowest total ever at a PGA Tour event.
Tiger Woods, one of Koepka's playing partners, said the leader struck the ball so well, a 63 was the worst he could have done. Koepka failed to birdie either par-5 and missed a couple of short putts. He is the first player ever to record two career 63s at the PGA Championship; in fact, no other player has ever done it in a career in any other major.
