GLENVIEW, Ill. – Ryan Burnett posted a career-low 9-under 62 on Thursday to take the opening-round lead at the 2026 Evans Scholars Invitational at The Glen Club.

In his third season on the Korn Ferry Tour, Burnett carded a bogey-free round featuring nine birdies. Starting his round on No. 10, he caught fire with five consecutive birdies on Nos. 15, 16, 17, 18 and 1. After a par on No. 2, Burnett added three-straight birdies on Nos. 3, 4 and 5 before making his ninth and final birdie on No. 7.

“I’m just trying to have fun with the game again,” Burnett said. "If I have fun, the scores should follow. That’s kind of how it went. I’m so lucky to get to play this game for a living and have this opportunity to compete. So, just trying to have fun, enjoy the competition and see how it stacks up in the end.”

Burnett holds a one-stroke advantage over Dylan Menante and Illinois grad Jackson Buchanan, who each opened with 8-under 63s. Ian Gilligan – the 2024 Western Amateur champion – and Petr Hruby sit another stroke back after rounds of 7-under 64.

Thomas Rosenmueller, the 2024 champion at The Glen Club, put himself in contention again with a 6-under 65. Rosenmueller, who won the event by two strokes two years ago, finished his opening round tied for sixth.

Second-round action begins Friday morning at 6:30 a.m. CT as the field looks to make the 36-hole cut and advance to the weekend.

Grounds admission for the 2026 Evans Scholars Invitational is complimentary, courtesy of BCU, a community credit union headquartered in Vernon Hills, Illinois. Fans can register in advance at esinvitational.com/tickets to claim tickets.