Weinberg shares lead at 80th Florida Open

University of West Florida freshman Ethan Weinberg has secured a share of the first-round lead at the 80th Florida Open, shooting a 6-under 66 at the Longboat Key Club near Sarasota. The result places the collegiate player on equal footing with professionals Chase Haygood and Patrick Ross as the tournament enters its second day.

Weinberg’s round was defined by significant scoring opportunities, including eagles at the eighth and fifteenth holes. He offset two bogeys by playing the final five holes at 4-under par to secure his position. Haygood, representing Orlando, maintained a bogey-free round and closed with birdies on the 17th and 18th holes. Ross, from Delray Beach, recorded one bogey but secured his score with birdies on the 15th and 18th.

The field is closely packed behind the leaders, with Jonathan Yaun of Minneola sitting one shot back at 67. Former University of North Florida assistant coach Tyler Gulliksen is two shots adrift at 68. All five of the top players competed on the Harbourside Course, which is scheduled to host the leaders for the final round on July 19.

Andrew McLauchlan of Neptune Beach emerged as the leading resident from the First Coast region, tying for ninth place at 3-under 69. Three former University of North Florida Ospreys—Kevin Aylwin, Andrew Riley, and Sean Dale—are tied for 14th at 2-under. Meanwhile, David Palm of Glen Kernan, who held a share of the lead through seven holes on the Links Course, finished with an even-par 71 to tie for 28th.

Defending champion J.C. Deacon, the University of Florida golf coach, shot a 72 on the Links Course to tie for 40th. Players will switch courses for the second round on July 18, with the low 60s and ties returning to the Harbourside Course for the conclusion of the event on July 19.