Austin Smotherman tied for lead at The Players Championship with a 5-under 67 after weather-delayed first round.

Austin Smotherman, a 31-year-old American, shot a 5-under 67 to join a five-way tie for the lead after completing the weather-delayed first round of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. He credited improved putting, short game, and confidence for his strong start, following a recent withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to a back issue. Smotherman tied with Maverick McNealy, Lee Hodges, Sahith Theegala, and Sepp Straka, all of whom finished their rounds on Thursday. World No. 6 Russell Henley and Justin Thomas, returning from back surgery, opened with 68s. Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood are within three shots of the lead. The second round began as scheduled Friday morning.