OCALA, Fla. — The weather revealed an absolutely remarkable day for the commencement of the 78th Florida Open Championship. Half of the competitors battled it out at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, while the other half took on Country Club of Ocala.
The morning started off slowly, with the leaders sticking around 2-under. As the day progressed, birdies began to flow and our leaderboard started to take shape.
Matt Borchert (Isleworth G&CC) currently holds solo first place, carding a 5-under (67). Borchert enjoyed a bogey-free round, sinking five birdies, including consecutive ones on holes five and six. Meanwhile,
Brewbaker nearly matched him, except for an unfortunate bogey on the 10th hole (Hole 1), leaving him one stroke behind Borchert with a 4-under (68). Noteworthy is Brewbaker's strong start, birdieing five out of his first nine holes.
The leaderboard shows a close competition among players at 3-under par, as 15 competitors concluded their rounds tied for third place, each carding a 69 (-3). Among them are two former champions: J C Deacon (University of Florida) and Caleb Johnson (Innisbrook Resort). With the leaderboard being so tight after the conclusion of Round One, tomorrow will be a true test as to who can shoot up during the leaderboard and into contention as we look to crown our 78th Florida Open Champion.
What’s Next?
The field is split between two courses, Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club and the Country Club of Ocala. Players will switch courses for Round Two. Succeeding the completion of Round Two, the field will be cut to the low 60 and ties after 36 holes.
Notable
- Matt Borchert had the low-round of the day, firing a 5-under (67)
- Twenty-five players shot below par, while five players shot below 70.
- There are currently 15 players tied for third place at 3-under (69).
- The Country Club of Ocala allowed for three eagles, while Golden Ocala saw only one eagle.
