Chandler Blanchet’s 5-under 67 on Friday has given him a four-shot lead in the Puerto Rico Open. A pair of teenagers and John Daly’s son are also in contention. Blanchet made birdies on all the par 5s at Grand Reserve and matched the tournament record for largest lead through 36 holes.
Blanchet’s Strong Showing
Blanchet said the first part of the season has been difficult. He expressed happiness to be playing golf on the weekend. Gordon Sargent, who began the day one shot off the lead, shot 70 and is now four back.
Teenagers in the Mix
Blades Brown, the 18-year-old who turned pro before graduating high school in January, shot 67. He is tied for third. Brown hopes to build off the experience of playing in the final group with Scottie Scheffler at The American Express last month. Brown was at 8-under 136 along with Ricky Castillo, Jesper Svensson of Sweden, and Jeremy Paul of Germany.
Brown said they’re halfway there, and a lot can happen in two days. He said he is excited for the weekend. Miles Russell, the 17-year-old who has committed to play at Florida State, made his first cut in his fifth PGA TOUR start. He made birdie from the bunker on his final hole at the par-5 ninth.
Daly II’s PGA TOUR Debut
Daly II played bogey-free and is six shots out of the lead in a tie for seventh. The Arkansas alum is making his PGA TOUR debut. His father played the Puerto Rico Open six times, making the cut four times with his best finish a tie for 10th in 2015. Daly II said this place has always been one of his favourites to come watch his dad play. He added that it’s pretty cool to make it to the weekend.
What’s at Stake
- The winner gets a spot in THE PLAYERS Championship next week and the PGA Championship.
- The winner does not get a spot in the Masters.
- The Puerto Rico Open is held opposite the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard.
Daly II said he will go out there and try to go as low as he can. He added that he has nothing to lose, so he will just go out there and have fun and keep doing what he’s doing.