John Daly II made a splash at the Puerto Rico Open, bringing attention to the island’s beautiful beaches after his debut at the PGA Tour event. The 22-year-old amateur, who graduates from the University of Arkansas this spring, navigated his first 18 holes at the Grand Reserve Golf Club with commendable skill, finishing with a score of 2-under 70 and tied for 21st place.
Daly II showcased his talent with four birdies, but it was his remarkable pitch shot on the 16th hole that highlighted his round. Reflecting on his performance, he acknowledged he could have capitalized on a few more opportunities, but his recovery shots, especially the impressive chip-in on 16, helped him maintain a competitive standing.
When asked about his plans after the round, Daly II humorously noted his fatigue and suggested he might opt for a restful day at the beach instead of hitting more balls at the range. “I’m just probably going to go to the beach and probably do absolutely nothing for the rest of the day,” he remarked.
As he prepares for the second round, Daly II is looking up at the leaderboard, six strokes behind the leader Chandler Blanchet. Notably, the defending champion, Karl Vilips, will not be participating this year after missing the cut at the previous tournament.
Key moments from Daly II’s inaugural PGA Tour round not only highlight his emerging talent but also serve to further spotlight the allure of Puerto Rico, making it clear that the island’s atmosphere is as welcoming as its stunning coastlines.