2025 Paragon Casino PDS Gaming Championship: Sand takes solo lead after windy Round 1
(Marksville, LA) - The 2025 season kicked off with a windy first round at the Paragon Casino PDS Gaming Championship. As players took to the course, anticipation was high as they started the 72-hole battle for the championship title at Tamahka Trails Golf Club.
The day unfolded with the morning wave teeing off just before the winds picked up. John Sand (Dallas,TX) showcased his skills early on by carding a bogey-free 5-under-par front nine, taking the top spot at the turn.
“I got off to a great start this morning when the wind was still calm and got a few putts to drop early,” said Sand. “I had a lot of great shots today and gave myself good looks at birdies all day long, so I’m very happy with how the round went. I’m looking forward to the rest of the week.”
The University of Denver grad ended the day with a six-under par 65 to sit in the solo lead heading into the second round. Sand, who is no stranger to the top of the leaderboard, had two runner-up finishes out of the four APT events played during the 2024 season.
Wil Gibson (Jonesboro, AR), Jonathan Brightwell (Edmond, OK), and Alex Price (Baton Rouge, LA) also showed no hesitation getting things started as they finished with a 4-under 67 to sit in T2.
However, the afternoon wave faced a dramatically different course as they began their round amidst powerful 30 mph gusts of wind. The course, under the influence of strong winds out of the south, presented an entirely new challenge, with altered playing conditions and strategic demands.
The APT also hosted a pre-qualifying event during Round 1of the Paragon Casino PDS Gaming Championship in conjunction with the PGA’s Houston Open. Out of 79 players, the top five (5) and ties earn a spot in the qualifier. The following players secured a spot: John Sand, Jonathan Brightwell, Alex Price, Brian Dwyer, Joseph Abella, and Caden McMackin.
The second round of the Paragon Casino PDS Gaming Championship will begin at 7:40 AM CT with players looking to get inside the cut line. The cut will be made to the top 49 and ties.
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Marissa McCardell
Media & Communications
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