Peter Malnati Shoots 9-Under 61, Takes Early Lead in 8th and Final Rocket Classic in Detroit

Malnati's 61 leads Rocket Classic

Peter Malnati spent much of the day on 59 watch before settling for a 9-under-par 61 and a two-stroke lead at the Rocket Classic on Thursday at Detroit Golf Club.

Peter Malnati goes low to establish 2-shot lead at Rocket Classic

Peter Malnati spent much of the day on 59 watch before settling for a 9-under-par 61 and a two-stroke lead at the Rocket Classic on Thursday at Detroit Golf Club. Malnati went out in 7-under 28 and added birdies at the par-3 11th and par-4 13th hole, positioning himself to go 10 under or better

Ex-Mizzou golfer Peter Malnati shoots 9-under 61, takes early lead in 8th and final Rocket Classic in Detroit

Peter Malnati will have to compete with a field that is stronger than usual and includes Cameron Young — the No. 3 player in the world — and U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark.

Peter Malnati shoots 9-under 61, takes early lead in 8th and final Rocket Classic in Detroit

Peter Malnati shot a 9-under 61 to take the lead among the early starters in the first round of the final Rocket Classic.

Peter Malnati opened in 28, made a run at 59 in first round of Rocket Classic

In what arguably is the best field in the history of the Rocket Classic, it was the guy ranked 565th in the world who had fans buzzing Thursday.

Rickie Fowler and Co. torch new DGC in Round 1; one pro flirts with 59

Peter Malnati was at 9 under through 13 holes before the momentum stalled at DGC on Thursday. He settled for the early lead at the Rocket Classic.