Justin McCarraher, of Fort Myers, and Nyasha Mauchaza, of Port St Lucie, both fired a seven-under par 65 to share a one stroke lead in the 67th Florida Open Championship at the Quail Valley Golf Club and Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club in Vero Beach. The Championship continues through Sunday, July 21.
Justin McCarraher, who started on the front nine at Quail Valley Golf Club, began his round with four straight birdies on holes two through five, posting a 32, four-under par. On the back nine, McCarraher added three more birdies to the mix, on holes 12,14 and 15. Nyasha Mauchaza, who also played on Quail Valley, started off the day with an eagle on the par five 10th. With three more birdies on 12, 14, and 18, he posted an impressive 31 on the back. Alan Morin, of Royal Palm Beach, sits one back from the lead with a six-under par at Quail Valley. Joe Allinder, of Bonita Springs, and Gene Fieger, of Naples, carded the lowest score for the Orchid Island field, finishing with a four-under par, 68. The Defending Champion Chase Seiffert, of Panama City, is currently tied for 26th place and sits at one-under par. Both courses were in great condition, resulting in an average score of 74.2 at Quail Valley and 75.5 at Orchid Island.
The top 156 amateur & professional golfers in the state will play 18 holes at Quail Valley Golf Club and 18 holes at Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club on July 19-20. After 36-holes, the field will be cut to the low 60 and ties. The final 18 holes of the Championship will be played at Quail Valley Golf Club on July 21. Before reaching the Championship, more than 925 participants attempted to qualify at one of 16 sites across the state.
Started in 1942, The Florida Open Championship has produced past champions that include Willie Turnesa, Bob Murphy, Gary Koch, Bruce Fleisher, John Huston, Dudley Hart, and Bart Bryant. This will be the fourth year the Florida State Golf Association will be conducting this great championship.
For pairings and complete results click here.
