Low scores dominate in first round of the LECOM Suncoast Classic
Jorge Fernandez Valdez leads the Korn Ferry Tour event with a 61.
By
Vinnie Portell
| 9:50 a.m. April 17, 2025
East County
Sports
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The winner of this year’s LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National could set a record score if Wednesday's first round is any indication of what's to come.
Twenty-one Korn Ferry Tour players shot 5-under-par or better to open the tournament, led by Jorge Fernandez Valdez with a 10-under 61.
Fernandez Valdez has a few players on his heels, including Tanner Gore, who shot a 9-under 62, and 2024 Masters Tournament Low Amateur Neal Shipley, who shot a 7-under 64.
The LECOM Suncoast Classic will continue Thursday morning with tee times beginning at 7 a.m. The tournament will wrap up on Saturday, April 19 — one day earlier than usual due to Easter Sunday.
Anyone who wants to take in the action can purchase tickets at LECOMSuncoastClassic.com/tickets.
Patrons should be advised that parking for the tournament can be found at Premier Sports Complex, with trolleys provided shuttles back and forth. Both parking and the shuttle service are free of charge.
Spencer Levin watches as his ball rolls toward the pin on the par-3 No. 15 at Lakewood National. Levin shot 75.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Samuel Anderson hits a tee shot at No. 10 at Lakewood National during the opening round of the LECOM Suncoast Classic Wednesday. Anderson shot 3-under 68.
Trevor Werbylo studies his putt on No. 9 at Lakewood National during the first round of the LECOM Suncoast Classic Wednesday. Werbylo finished with a 75.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Julian Etulain hits out of the greenside bunker on No, 14 at Lakewood National during the first round of the LECOM Suncoast Classic Wednesday. Etulain finished at even-par 71.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Tanner Gore hits a near-perfect chip on No. 14. Gore finished at 9-under 62 to put him in second place after the first round of the LECOM Suncoast Classic.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Wilson Furr pumps his fist after his chip settled next to the hole on No. 11 at Lakewood National. Furr finished at 2-under 69.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Gavin Cohen races up a hill to see where his chip shot landed on No. 11 at Lakewood National Golf Club. Cohen finished at 5-under 66.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Korn Ferry Golfer Marcus Plunkett (back) smiles after sinking a putt on No. 11 at Lakewood National in Wednesday's first round of the LECOM Suncoast Classic. He shot 69.
