Birdie barrage at The Patriot unsurprising to many
By Ken MacLeod
Since the announcement came over a year ago that the Compliance Solutions Championship would be moving from Jimmie Austin OU Golf Course in Norman to The Patriot in Owasso, knowledgeable golf observers across the state have been predicting a birdie onslaught of biblical proportions.
They were right.
Led by a 59 by Rhode Island pro Davis Chatfield, the beautiful but player friendly (by design) course yielded 659 birdies and 33 eagles against just 175 bogeys and 39 double bogeys in the first round for an average score of 4.51 under the par of 71.
Not only did Chatfield open with a 59 in the morning wave, but by day’s end there were three 10-under 61s and five 9-under 62s on the board. And players better be prepared to continue the birdie hunt in today’s second round, as scoring conditions remain near perfect, although with slightly stronger winds Friday. Greans are fairly receptive, as temperatures in the 90s prevent bent grass greens from being firmed up too much.
Add the conditions, relative lack of length and the fact that these are among the world’s best golfers playing for their competitive futures in this third of four KFT playoff series, and it’s a cauldron for a low scoring onslaught. The winning score after 72 holes is likely to be pushing 30 under.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. The early 59 generated lots of national attention and eyeballs on television is a main goal of both title sponsor Compliance Solutions and the Folds of Honor, the primary charity along with Autism Oklahoma.
“Best thing that could have happened,” said Folds of Honor founder Lt. Col. Dan Rooney. “That will have everyone watching.”
Former Oklahoma Sooner Blaine Hale Jr., who led the local contingent with an 8-under 63, said seeing a 59 on the board before he began his first round can be either intimidating or welcoming.
“It can go one of two ways,” Hale said. “If you’re playing well, it can be a good number to shoot for. But it can also go the opposite way, where you start to feel like you’re getting behind if you’re not making birdies.
“Today was good. I felt like I was playing well and tried to get as close as I could.”
Hale did that with eight birdies and no bogeys. With four par-5s and each of them reachable in two shots, many players feel they are starting at 3 to 4 under and going from there.
The field of 120 will be reduced to the top 75 on the points list for the Korn Ferry Tour Finals next week at Pete Dye’s diabolical course in French Lick, Ind. The projected cut for this event after Friday’s second round is 4-under but could go even lower.
Of players with strong Oklahoma ties besides Hale, former Oklahoma State Cowboy Rayhan Thomas opened with a 64, tying his career low on the KFT. Former Cowboy Kevin Dougherty and former Sooner Patrick Welch each shot 66. Former Sooner Logan McAllister, who needs to move from 25 to 20 on the points list in these final two events to secure one of 20 PGA Tour cards available for 2026, shot 67.
Former Cowboy Zach Bauchou, who entered the week at No. 8 on the points list and has assured himself a card for 2026, shot 66 and was a witness to Chatfield’s 59. Former Sooner Grant Hirschman shot 66, while former Southeast Oklahoma State star Zach James shot 68 as did Oak Tree National member Josh Creel.
Thursday was Oklahoma State Golf Day and on hand were OSU coach Alan Bratton, several of his current players and former Cowboy greats Scott Verplank and Bo Van Pelt. Van Pelt hit the ceremonial first tee shot.
“I couldn’t even see it, but I hope it went straight,” Van Pelt cracked.
For much more coverage from the KFT, go here.
For tickets to attend any of the final three rounds, go to www.compliancesolutionschampionship.com.
Josh Creel
