By PAITON HAGA
The 2024 All Pro Tour golf season kicked off Wednesday in Alexandria at Links on the Bayou with an electrifying first round at the Coke Dr. Pepper Open.
The day unfolded with a remarkable solo lead for Jonathon Yoshihiro (Yorba Linda, CA). who showcased exceptional skill and composure, and maneuvered through the challenging course with precision. Yoshihiro ended the opening round shooting 8 under par.
In the morning wave, a chill lingered in the air, adding an extra layer of complexity to the game. Players navigated the crisp conditions, adapting their strategies to the changing winds and temperatures. Despite the cold, the morning competitors showcased resilience, setting the stage for a thrilling day of golf.
As the afternoon wave commenced, the sun emerged, casting a warm glow over the course. With the weather becoming more favorable, the intensity of the competition heightened. Players seized the opportunity to capitalize on the improved conditions, delivering exceptional performances and thrilling spectators with their skillful play.
Amidst the shifting dynamics of the day, a two-way tie for second place emerged, adding further excitement to the leaderboard. Tyson Reeder (Edmond, OK) and Chad Sewell (Conroe, TX) both shot 7 under par.
Shreveport pro Phillip Barbaree Jr., a former LSU star, carded an opening 5-under and stands in a tie for eighth. He tees off at 7:45 today.
Alexandria’s Joey Wancewicz shot 3 over and is tied for 101st. He goes off at 9:45 today along with Alexandria amateur Sam Keeton, who finished 6 over Wednesday.
The APT also hosted a pre-qualifying event in conjunction with the Southern Texas PGA for the PGA TOUR’S Texas Houston Open during the afternoon wave of round one. Taking the top four and ties, 79 golfers fought for a chance to play in the qualifier. Yoshihiro, Reeder, Sewell, former Louisiana Tech golfer Sam Murphy and Kyle Hogan (Fort Worth, TX) secured the chance to do just that.
With the leaderboard tightly packed and the competition heating up, the second round will begin at 7:45 a.m. today with players looking to get inside the cut line. The cut will be made to the top 46 and ties.
Spectator access to the Coke Dr. Pepper Open is free to the public. If you cannot make it, follow along on the tour’s socials: Instagram @allprotourgolf Twitter @AllProTourGolf
(Note – the original version of this story incorrectly cited the location of the tournament as Oakwing Golf Club. It is being played at nearby Links on the Bayou.)