Ryan Gerard
Koepka falters in Cognizant Classic first round amid Zalatoris withdrawal
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Brooks Koepka shot a 3-over 74 in the opening round of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, struggling late to tie for 100th at PGA National. Will Zalatoris withdrew just before his tee time due to a left ankle injury, replaced by Ben Silverman. Austin Smotherman leads after six straight birdies.
At 26, Ryan Gerard has emerged as a promising talent on the PGA Tour, relying on an unorthodox swing inspired by Ben Hogan and unwavering self-belief. His distinctive technique and early passion for golf have propelled him from local courses in North Carolina to competitive contention. Recent performances highlight his growing prowess amid challenges.
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Ravenscroft alumnus Ryan Gerard has begun the 2026 PGA Tour season impressively, securing second-place finishes in its first two events. His runner-up performance in December's Mauritius Open elevated his world ranking and guaranteed a spot in the 2026 Masters Tournament. The achievement followed an arduous journey across oceans to the African island nation.