McClear leads the way

American Mac McClear is in front after day one of the 56th staging of the Jamaica Open Golf Championship following his five-under-par score of 67 at the Tryall Golf Course in Hanover yesterday.

The Illinois-native, who turned pro this year, looked comfortable on the Tryall course, racking up two birdies and an eagle on the front nine to make the turn four under par.

With soggy conditions and no wind to contend with, McClear made sure he stayed in the clear on the back nine and racked up one more birdie on the par four 15th hole to finish his round five under par 67.

For McClear, his game came together at the right time, which helped him to put together a fine opening-day score.

“It was good today, and I felt I played well. I did many things right by hitting well and making some putts when necessary.”

The American will begin today’s second day with a one-shot lead over Canadian Stephen Thomas, who ended his round with a four under par 68 following seven birdies, a bogey, and a double bogey.

Marcus Mohr of the United Kingdom and American Ryan Sullivan are tied for third place following three under-par scores of 69.

Trinidadian Benjamin Martin, American Scott Milam, and France’s Pierre Viallaneix are tied for fifth place following two under-par rounds of 70.

Justin Burrowes is the best-placed Jamaican after the opening day as his one-under-par 71 sees him tied for eighth place along with the American pair of Ryan Linton and Andrew Storm.

Defending champion Andrew Arft is currently in touching distance at one over par 73, and the American said he is pleased with the round despite a couple of bad swings.

“It was a solid round for me. The course is in good shape and has held up well. I will try to do the same (today) minus a few bad swings, and we will be off to the races,” Arft said.

In the amateur section, Jamaican Oshae Haye and compatriot Zandre Roye are atop the leaderboard following two over-par rounds of 74. American Gregory Sadowski and Jamaican junior player Trey Williams are tied for third with three over-par rounds of 75.

Defending amateur champion Sean Morris along with Jack Stein are tied for fifth after eight over-par rounds of 80.

Canadian Allan McLean shot a two-under-par round 70 to lead the Senior professional division while Owen Samuda is on top of the senior amateur division following his round of four over par 76.