Every 7 Under Par "15 Over Par 6 Days Ago"..."I Like Bayhill~"

Arnold Palmer Invitational Day 1 Leading Run "Want to Forget Honda Classic Round 2 Nightmare"

Matt Every is taking the tee shot on the first day of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Orlando, Florida, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Getty Images

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "22 strokes difference in 6 days."

Matt Every (USA) surged to a surprising lead on the first day of the Arnold Palmer Invitational (total prize money $9.3 million) held at Bay Hill Golf Club (par 72, 7,454 yards) in Orlando, Florida, USA, on the 6th (Korean time) with a 7-under-par round. It is unexpected considering that just 6 days ago, he was cut after shooting 15-over-par on the second day of the Honda Classic. At the 5th hole (par 3), he fell into the water four times, resulting in an 8-over-par 11 strokes, suffering a devastating blow known as an 'Octuple Bogey,' a term unfamiliar to many.

Every attracted even more spotlight as he was the champion of back-to-back wins in 2014-2015. Only three players, including Tiger Woods and Loren Roberts (both USA), have successfully defended their title in this tournament established by Arnold Palmer in 1966. Interestingly, those two consecutive wins remain his only two PGA Tour victories. His real name is 'Matt King Every,' and he has a unique story of incorporating the nickname 'King' of his idol Arnold Palmer into his full name.

However, Every has not shown remarkable results over the past four years, having missed the cut three times. Last year, it was revealed that he used marijuana. He defended himself by saying, "I used it with a prescription in Florida, where medical marijuana is legal, and it has no effect on my performance," but he was suspended for 90 days by the PGA Tour for violating the banned substance policy. In the 2020 season, he only made the top 25 once in 11 tournaments.

On this day, however, he delivered a perfect performance with seven birdies. His long drives reached up to 324 yards, his green hit rate was an impressive 83.33% with 'computer-like iron shots,' and he added an average of 1.67 'stingy putts' per hole. This is why Every's second round is highly anticipated. He confidently added, "Especially my putting is good." At 10:17 PM, he will start his winning march from the 1st hole (par 4) alongside Patrick Rodgers and Wyndham Clark (both USA).