Aaron Rai is making quite the first impression at the Myrtle Beach Classic. The Englishman navigated some tricky pin placements and carded four birdies on his back nine Friday to shoot a 4-under 67, grabbing a one-shot lead over Presidents Cup captain Brandt Snedeker and Mark Hubbard at the Dunes Golf & Beach Club.

Rai, who already has one PGA Tour victory to his name, sits at 10-under 132 heading into the weekend. He’s been impressed with the course ever since watching Chris Gotterup win here two years ago on TV. “It looked great then, and I figured it would be a perfect tune-up before the PGA Championship next week,” Rai said.

The 42nd-ranked player in the world has been soaking up the atmosphere while playing alongside Brooks Koepka, who shot 70 and sits six shots back. “It’s been a lovely environment. Playing with Brooks and Davis Thompson, who are both excellent players, creates a great atmosphere,” Rai added. “Brooks is one of the best in the world, so it keeps you sharp.”

Snedeker, who will lead the American team at Medinah in September, put together a bogey-free 66 in a light breeze. Hubbard matched Rai’s 67, shaking off some early miscues with four consecutive birdies around the turn.

Koepka’s round hit a snag on the par-5 fifth when he went from the trees into a water hazard, leading to a bogey that stalled his momentum.

While Myrtle Beach is an opposite-field event, the winner still earns a spot in next week’s PGA Championship if not already eligible. Rai received a special invitation based on his world ranking—he’s the only top-50 player in the field. But he’s not taking anything for granted. “No matter your ranking, whether you’re Scottie Scheffler or someone lower, there’s no divine right in golf. Everyone starts the same on Thursday, and everyone here is good enough to win,” Rai said.

The cut fell at even par, with nine players missing the weekend. For Rai, it’s all about staying focused and enjoying the ride in his Myrtle Beach debut.