Chandler Blanchett putsts on the 5th hole during the second round of the Korn Ferry Tour National Children’s Hospital Championship at the Ohio State Scarlets Course in Columbus on September 19, 2025. Rookie Chandler Blanchet is halfway toward his first PGA Tour title as he enters the weekend with a four-stroke lead in the Puerto Rico Open at Grand Reserve Golf Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.
Blanchet shot an opening-round 64 on Friday for a 5-under 67 to move to 13 under for the tournament. Gordon Sargent lost a spot with a 70, but remained in sole second place at 9 under par.
Ricky Castillo (68), Blade Brown (67), Germany’s Jeremy Paul (67), and Sweden’s Jesper Svensson (69) tied for third place with 8 under par.
Blanchet made 7 birdies despite offsetting 2 bogeys. He ranks first in driving accuracy (hitting 23 of 28 fairways in regulation) and has the fewest putts per green in regulation (1.48).
The alternate event opposite the Arnold Palmer Invitational marks Blanchet’s first cut of the season after missing the cut in her first five starts.
“The beginning of the season was definitely difficult,” Blanchett said. “It’s not fun to practice on Saturday and Sunday and not play for five days and then wait (to play again), so I’ll be very happy to play golf on Saturday and Sunday this weekend.”
Sargent began his round on the back nine and shot 1-over 37 with one bogey and no birdies. The 22-year-old made four birdies and a bogey on the front nine.
Brown was several years older than the younger Sargent. Brown turned pro at age 17 and is seeking his first tour win at 18 years and 9 months old. This will make him the second-youngest winner in PGA Tour history.
“I’m excited to have two more days at the Grand Reserve. I’m looking forward to the weekend because a lot can happen in two days,” Brown said.
Amateur John Daly II, son of two-time major champion John Daly, shot a 67 to get to 7 under par in his PGA Tour debut to maintain the lead.
“It’s awesome,” he said of making the cut. “This has always been one of my favorite places to come see my dad play during the day, as I said before, so it’s great to be able to visit on the weekends.”
–Field level media
