The already-weak field at the Quicken Loans National at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farms got stripped of most of the rest of its star power on Thursday. Rickie Fowler shot a so-so even-par 70 that left him five off the lead, and Justin Thomas ejected with a 4-over 74 that will leave him hunting for the cut line on Friday.

 

What that means is that a whole host of golfers will likely have a shot at winning their first tournament or that a seasoned vet will add to his collection. Of course Fowler could shoot three 67s and walk away with the trophy on Sunday, but with 30 golfers ahead of him after 18 holes, that seems a lot more unlikely than it did before the tournament started.

 

And yet there are some intriguing names sniffing around the top of the leaderboard after Round 1.

 

David Lingmerth (-5) hasn't won since the 2015 Memorial and went out in 31 and nearly carded a 64 to take a two-stroke lead if not for a bogey at the last. He might not be a big name, but he's got a little staying power.

 

Patrick Reed (-3) has been playing his best golf in a long time of late, and is the favorite to win after the first round (Vegas says he's 7-1 and Lingmerth is 5-1).

 

Bryson DeChambeau (-3) will have to putt better than he has been so far this season. He's No. 202 on the PGA Tour in strokes gained putting but was No. 34 on the day on Thursday.