John Pak etched his name in the Club Car Championship record books Thursday with a blistering 11-under 61 at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club, setting a new tournament standard and seizing the first-round lead in Savannah, Georgia. The Florida State alum's career-low round eclipsed Julián Etulian's previous mark of 62 set in 2020.
"Everything just came together today," said Pak, who recorded his first 18-hole lead in 44 Korn Ferry Tour starts. "I've been working hard on my putting, and it showed with how many looks I converted." The 27-year-old's performance bested his previous career low by two strokes and marked a strong rebound after finishing 152nd in last year's FedExCup Fall standings.
Hot on Pak's heels is PGA TOUR University standout Ian Gilligan, who carded a 10-under 62 in his professional debut. "To start like this means everything," said Gilligan, the 2025 Florida State graduate. "I just tried to stay patient and let the birdies come." The rookie's back-nine charge featured seven birdies, showcasing the form that earned him fourth in his graduating class.
A trio of players sit three shots off the pace at 8-under, including Kevin Velo, who notched his first top-five opening round position since returning to the Korn Ferry Tour. "It's nice to see the work paying off," said Velo, a 2024 tour graduate. He's joined by Hayden Springer in the tie for third, with five others lurking at 7-under including former U.S. Junior Amateur champion Noah Goodwin.
Pak's record-setting round comes at a familiar venue where he finished third in 2024, his only prior made cut in two appearances. The eight-time college winner and 2021 PGA TOUR University champion has shown flashes of brilliance since turning professional, including his 2024 Compliance Solutions Championship victory that earned him PGA TOUR status.
With 54 holes remaining, the field faces the challenge of catching a red-hot Pak on a course yielding low scores. As Friday's second round approaches, all eyes will be on whether the leader can sustain his historic form or if challengers like Gilligan can close the gap at this crucial Korn Ferry Tour event.