Rookie sensations always bring an extra layer of intrigue to the PGA Tour, and Paul Peterson wasted no time making a name for himself in his debut at the Sony Open in Hawaii. The 34-year-old lefty, who has played on six different professional tours around the world, fired an impressive opening round 6-under 64 at Waialae Country Club to grab a share of the first round lead.
Peterson made the most of his first official PGA Tour round, carding eight birdies against just two bogeys in a round that showcased his shotmaking ability and poise under pressure. The Oregon State alum made an early statement by draining a 30-foot eagle putt on the par-5 9th hole to jumpstart his round.
A Winding Road to the PGA Tour
Unlike many of his fellow rookies who took a more traditional path through college and the Korn Ferry Tour, Peterson embarked on a global golfing odyssey to sharpen his skills. His passport is filled with stamps from over 40 countries, a testament to his willingness to compete anywhere in his quest to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Peterson’s journey included stints on the Canadian Tour, Asian Tour, European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, and others. He notched victories at the Czech Masters on the Euro Tour in 2016 and the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open on the Asian Tour in 2018. But his ultimate goal was always to earn his PGA Tour card.
“My road has definitely been a bit different than most guys coming out here,” Peterson said. “I’ve played all over the world and I feel like those experiences have prepared me well for this. I maybe took the scenic route to get here but I don’t regret any of it.”
Success on the Korn Ferry Tour
Peterson finally punched his ticket to the PGA Tour by finishing in the top 25 on last year’s Korn Ferry Tour points list, including his first victory on that tour at the BMW Charity Pro-Am last June. He posted nine top 25s in 20 starts on the KFT in 2024.
“I had an incredible year on the Korn Ferry Tour and winning in South Carolina was definitely the highlight,” Peterson reflected. “But honestly, just locking up that PGA Tour card was the ultimate goal. It’s what I’ve worked toward my whole career.”
Making the Most of His Moment
Now that he’s finally arrived at golf’s biggest stage, Peterson isn’t shying away from the spotlight. He’s embracing the opportunity to prove he belongs among the game’s elite.
“Getting off to a good start is huge, especially as a rookie,” Peterson said. “You want to show you can compete out here right away. So to shoot a low one in my first round and be in the mix, yeah, that’s really exciting. But there’s a long way to go this week and this season.”
Peterson’s debut 64 put him in the rare company of rookies to lead or co-lead after their first PGA Tour round:
- Camilo Villegas at 2004 Chrysler Classic of Tucson
- Chez Reavie at 2008 RBC Canadian Open
- Derek Ernst at 2013 Wells Fargo Championship
A Stacked Leaderboard in Hawaii
Peterson wasn’t the only player to go low on a ideal day at Waialae. He was joined at 6-under by four others:
- Harry Hall
- Denny McCarthy
- Eric Cole
- Adam Schenk
Two-time Hawaii winner Hideki Matsuyama, coming off a record-tying win at Kapalua, carded a 67 and sits three shots off the pace.
“The conditions were pretty benign out there, so you had to go out and make some birdies,” Peterson said. “Fortunately I was able to make a bunch and get myself into good position. But there’s so many great players on this leaderboard, it will take a lot more good golf to stay with them.”
Peterson will look to back up his stellar start with another low round on Friday as he aims to become the first rookie winner of the Sony Open since Russell Henley in 2013. A strong result would solidify his status as a PGA Tour rookie to watch and continue his inspiring underdog story. From global journeyman to PGA Tour contender, Paul Peterson is certainly making this most of his long-awaited debut on golf’s grandest stage.
