Doc Redman and Scott Stallings lead Rocket Mortgage Classic

Doc Redman has pleasant memories from the Rocket Mortgage Classic. He came through the Monday Qualifiers last year before securing a rousing runner-up finish at the Detroit Golf Club. Redman made the most of his return to the venue with a solid 65 for a share of the lead with Scott Stallings. Arjun Atwal, making only his fourth start of the season, got off to a solid 70 consisting of five birdies.

Redman was slow to get off the blocks, but kept it clean as he sailed past the bend in 35 strokes. A birdie at the par-3 fifth was his lone gain the way out. A three-putt on the par-4 10th drew him back to even terms. But he produced seven birdies on the final eight holes to soar up the leaderboard.

“I’ve come off two good finishes and a really good finish last year at this event, which has never really happened to me,” explained Redman, who was T21 at RBC Heritage and T11 last week at the Travelers Championship. “So I’ve never had this kind of expectation. I think I feel very comfortable because I’ve played well here and been here. So it just comes down to playing golf and doing the best I can.”

Stallings sandwiched a bogey at the second between birdies on either side before picking strokes at the 7th and 8th for a 33 on the front nine. He collected four more birdies on the way in, including back to back gains to finish an impressive round of golf.

Peter Malnati and Chase Seiffert played their rounds off the tenth tee, picking a 66 on their respective cards. Emiliano Grillo was also tied in third with the two men.

There were six scores of 67 (at the time of this report), including Rickie Fowler, who played alongside defending champion Nate Lashley. Fowler endured a double on the 18th before making amends on his second nine. Lashley had a forgettable day out, only to be redeemed by two birdies over his last three holes for a 71.