Mactaquac Golf Course, Fredericton, New Brunswick – The action is heating up here at the Explore NB Open! We’re midway through this thrilling PGA TOUR Americas event, running from July 11-14, 2024. Let’s dive into the highlights from the first round on July 12.
First-Round Notes
- Event: PGA TOUR Americas 2024 Season, 9th of 16 events
- North America Swing: 3rd of 10 events
- Fortinet Cup Points: 500 for the winner
- Purse: $225,000 ($40,500 for the winner)
Leaders After Round One
The leaderboard is packed at the top with five players sharing the lead after carding a scorching 8-under 63:
- Samuel Anderson (United States)
- Patrick Flavin (United States)
- Ian Holt (United States)
- Ryan Burnett (United States)
- John Keefer (United States)
These players set a new course record at Mactaquac Golf Course, putting on a dazzling display of golf prowess!
Close Contenders
Five players are right behind, tied at sixth place with a 7-under 64, including Canada’s very own Matthew Anderson. Anderson, a Team Canada member and 69th ECP Brazil Open winner, carded his best round of the North America Swing on Friday.
Spotlight on the Leaders
Samuel Anderson:
- Age: 25
- Hometown: Stoughton, Wisconsin
- Residence: Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
- College: University of Wisconsin
- Anderson is no stranger to the top, having led the second round of the Diners Club Peru Open earlier this season. His strong performance continues as he aims for his first PGA TOUR Americas win.
Patrick Flavin:
- Age: 28
- Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
- Residence: Highwood, Illinois
- College: Miami (Ohio) University
- Flavin’s 8-under 63 is his best round since the 2020 Wichita Open. He’s making waves in his first North America Swing event after a strong start at the ATB Classic.
Ian Holt:
- Age: 28
- Hometown: Stow, Ohio
- Residence: Charleston, South Carolina
- College: Kent State University
- Holt has been consistent, with back-to-back top-25 finishes securing his spot in this week’s event. His third career 18-hole lead/co-lead is testament to his growing confidence and skill.
Ryan Burnett:
- Age: 24
- Hometown: Lafayette, California
- Residence: Lafayette, California
- College: University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
- Burnett, fresh off his college career, is showing his potential with a career-low round. This is his first full season as a professional, and he’s making it count.
John Keefer:
- Age: 23
- Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
- Residence: San Antonio, Texas
- College: Baylor University
- Keefer, a rookie, is quickly making a name for himself with top-five finishes in his first two professional starts. His 8-under 63 is a career-best.
What’s Next?
The second round of the Explore NB Open kicks off at 7:30 a.m. AT on Saturday, running until 2:40 p.m. AT off the Nos. 1 and 10 tees. With inclement weather postponing Thursday’s action, we’re set for a thrilling 36-hole finish on Sunday.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates as the tournament progresses!
