Live from the 3M Open: Billy Horschel withdraws because of illness; Jacob Bridgeman in early lead after morning round

Jacob Bridgeman has played in 22 PGA Tour events, and hasn’t yet had a top 10 finish.

But the 24-year old former Clemson standout was in the early lead at the 3M Open today at the TPC Twin Cities, shooting an eight-under 63.

Bridgeman had four birdies and a bogey for a 32 on the front nine, and had five birdies on the back side. He narrowly missed an 11-foot eagle putt at No. 18.

3M Open leaderboard

MacKenzie Hughes of Canada was in second place, shooting a seven-under-par 64 in the morning round at the TPC Twin Cities.

“It was a great day,” said the 33-year-old from Hamilton, Ontario. “I felt like I was maybe a tad bit off early but I kind of found a bit of a rhythm with my swing kind of seven, eight holes in and started to swing it a little better, and the putter was cooperating nicely today. It was a fun day on the greens.”

Hughes has two PGA Tour victories.

British Open runner-up Billy Horschel withdrew this morning and was replaced by Adam Long.

Horschel explained his withdrawal this way:

“It was unfortunate. I wasn’t feeling great late last night and took some medicine. Had decent sleep but work up and just have a fever. Body is not wanting to respond, every muscle feels like it’s locked up. Tried to do a little warmup in the gym, just didn’t respond. Tried to go out to the golf course and hit some balls. Body is just not wanting to cooperate.

“Disappointing. I was looking forward to playing here at 3M. Played here last year, had a good finish. The event is well run, so very disappointed not to be able to play here after coming off a really great finish last week.”

He and 2013 U.S. Open champ Justin Rose tied for second Sunday at the British Open at Royal Troon, two shots behind winner Xander Schauffele.

In his Wednesday pre-tournament press conference, Horschel said he hadn’t considered withdrawing, as fellow British Open runner-up Justin Rose did on Monday.

“When I commit to something, I try to hold to that commitment unless crazy circumstances arise,” Horschel said. “When you’re playing well, you want to continue to play well. Yes, I’m coming halfway around the world, six different time zones, different grasses and everything. I want to continue to build on my confidence…That’s why I’m here. I feel like I can play well this week. I feel like I’ve got a chance to win and the goal it to win so I can move higher up in the FedEx Cup. I’m excited to be here and like I said, I always hold myself to my commitments.”