Tosti Leads Field After Opening Day of Pan-American Games
Thursday, July 16, 2015 | Men's Golf
MARKHAM, Ont. – University of Florida sophomore men's golfer Alejandro Tosti fired a 7-under 65 in the opening round of the 2015 Toronto Pan-American Games on Thursday to surge to a three-stroke lead. Incoming freshman Jorge Garcia, who signed a National Letter of Intent with Florida in November, shot a 2-under 70 at the Angus Glen Golf Club to tie for fourth after Round 1.
Florida junior women's golfer Maria Torres posted a 5-over 77 on her way to a tie for 10th after Round 1. Representing Puerto Rico, her mixed team earned a share of seventh entering Friday's second round.
Tosti is competing for Argentina, whose mixed team sits in a tie for second after the first day. Garcia, who will join the Florida squad this fall, is representing Venezuela, which is in a tie for 10th among the 16 teams.
The Pan-American Games are the world's third-largest international multi-sport games. They are held every four years for the athletes of the 41 Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) countries. Although the Games have been held since 1951, this is the inaugural year of a golf tournament at the event.
The men's individual leaderboard can be viewed here, while the women's can be found here. Full results from the mixed team contest are available here.
Head Men's Coach JC Deacon:
On the opening round:
“It's been a cool experience for Coach Handrigan and myself because they're playing in our home province where we were both raised. Ale (Tosti) got off to a phenomenal start, and this is the level of golf he is capable of. Jorge (Garcia) had a really solid start, and I'm excited to see what he can do in the tournament. There's no greater honor than representing your country.”
Head Women's Coach Emily Glaser:
On Maria Torres' first round:
“It's an honor for Maria to be able to represent Puerto Rico and the University of Florida this week. She will be able to take a lot away from this experience against a solid field of both professional and amateur golfers.”
| 2015 Toronto Pan-American Games – Florida Men After Round 1 | ||
| Place | Player | Score |
| 1. | -7 (65) | |
| T4. | Jorge Garcia | -2 (70) |
| 2015 Toronto Pan-American Games – Florida Women After Round 1 | ||
| Place | Player | Score |
| T10. | +5 (77) | |
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