It's tough sledding on Thursday at the Valero Texas Open
It's ugly out there on Day 1 of the Valero Texas Open.
Combine a tough TPC San Antonio course with up to 35 mph winds, and scores ballooned for the entire field. Among the morning wave of 72 players, three withdrew and 22 shot 80 or higher on the par-72 layout. By comparison, entering Thursday, there had been just 57 total rounds of 80 or higher to date on the 2014-15 PGA Tour season.
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Johnson Wagner shot 15-over 87. Major champions Geoff Ogilvy and Martin Kaymer each shot 82 -- a career-worst round for the reigning U.S. Open champion. Past Valero Texas Open winner Ben Curtis shot 80.
A year ago, the scoring average for Round 1 was 73. Through the morning wave, it was trending toward 79. By comparison, the scoring average during the nearly impossible final round of the 2004 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills was 78.73.
The winner among the morning players was Matt Kuchar, whose 72 was astounding considering the conditions and what he did relative to the field.
When asked what he thought of the day and the round, Kuchar said he was just happy it was over.
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
