PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla, - Evan Russell of Essex, VT, claimed his first win on the Minor League Golf Tour Tuesday. Making his 24th start since October, 2016, Russell, 25, edged Raoul Menard of Ange-Gardien, Quebec, by one shot, 139-140, on the Estates course at PGA National. Russell shot 70-69, Menard, the first round co-leader, 69-71.
Russell overcame a double bogey at the par-4 fifth hole Monday with seven birdies and four bogeys. He had three birdies and a bogey Tuesday. He received $1,800 from the $8,860 purse, an additional $550 from an optional bonus pool and $97.15 in the skins game for a total of $2,447.15. This raised his career earnings to $10,977. Menard collected $1,200.
The MLGT's sixth tournament of its 15th season drew 37 starters. The South Florida-based minor-tour next plays Thursday at Martin Downs CC in Palm City.
Major I at CC of Coral Springs is less than 2 weeks away (Jan 29-30) followed by Qualifying School Contest #1 Presented by Joey D Golf and Clubcraft at PGA National Estates the following week (Feb 5-6).
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Raoul Menard and Max Gilbert, both from Canada, share the lead at 2-under par 69 after day 1 at PGA National Estates course. Temperatures in the high 50's and 15-20 mph winds made scoring tough.
Luke Graboyes and Evan Russel are tied for 3rd at 1-under par 70. They are the only other 2 players that broke par during Monday's opening round.
Seven of the 37 players chose to enter the optional $150 bonus pool. The top 33% plus ties earn a check in the bonus pool.
