Puerto Rico Open Round 1

Chandler Blanchet seized the opening-round lead with a spectacular 8-under-par 64, setting a high bar for the field at Grand Reserve. Blanchet’s round was a masterclass in precision, as he navigated the coastal layout without dropping a single shot. His ability to master the Paspalum greens early in the day allowed him to pull clear of a crowded leaderboard, establishing himself as the man to beat as the tournament heads into the second day. The chasing pack is led by amateur sensation Gordon Sargent, who lived up to the hype with a superb 7-under-par 65. Sargent's power off the tee was on full display, allowing him to dismantle the par-5s and sit just one stroke off the lead. Joining the pursuit are John Paul and Momoka Kobori, who both finished at 6-under-par, while local favorite Rafael Campos delighted the Puerto Rican gallery by staying within striking distance. Notably, John Daly II held his own in his debut, navigating the pressure of the spotlight to remain in the hunt for the weekend cut.