Kurt Kitayama adds AT&T Beach Pro-Am lead to bucket list

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Kurt Kitayama - TheGolfingHub
Kurt Kitayama holds his second career 36-hole lead/co-lead at the AT&T Beach Pro-Am (2022 CJ CUP in South Carolina/2nd) and fourth after any round. Photo: WorldWide Golf

Kurt Kitayama (1st/-9) holds his second career 36-hole lead/co-lead at the AT&T Beach Pro-Am (2022 CJ CUP in South Carolina/2nd) and fourth after any round.

He is one of two players with multiple 36-hole leads/co-leads on the PGA TOUR this season (2/Andrew Putnam).

Related: Hank Lebioda’s ascent at Pebble Beach proof of perseverance

Finished T18 at the 2020 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am competing on a sponsor exemption (2022/MC).

Kurt is making his sixth start of the season; missed the cut in his most recent start at the Farmers Insurance Open (77-74).

In his second season as a PGA TOUR member, has four top-10s in 46 career starts, finishing no worse than third in each: 2022 Honda Classic/3rd, 2022 Mexico Open at Vidanta/T2, 2022 Genesis Scottish Open/2nd, 2022 CJ CUP in South Carolina/2nd).

Finished No. 41 in the FedExCup in 2021-22 his first season as a PGA TOUR member.

First-round leader Hank Lebioda (T2/-8) is seeking his first career PGA TOUR victory after entering week having missed the cut in his last seven events; best finish at event in three previous starts is T38 (2019).

Joseph Bramlett (T2/-8) tied his career-best 36-hole position on the PGA TOUR (2021 Barbasol Championship/finished T11).

Keith Mitchell (T2/-8) is the only player at T2 or better with a victory on the PGA TOUR (2019 Honda Classic).

Brandon Wu (T2/-8) hit 17 of 18 greens en route to 5-under 66 at Monterey Peninsula Country Club; in search of first career TOUR win in his 48th TOUR start.

Justin Rose (T11/-6) recorded a hole-in-one at No. 15 at Spyglass using a pitching wedge; marks his third career ace on the PGA TOUR and first since the 2007 FedEx St. Jude Championship (formerly The Barclays); best finish in three prior starts at the event is T6 (2016).

Kevin Tway (T76/E) holed out for albatross on the par-5 11th hole at Spyglass using an 8-iron; marks first career albatross on the PGA TOUR and second albatross on TOUR this season (Xander Schauffele/No. 5/R4/The American Express).