No. 1 Ole Miss, not at 100%, leads in Puerto Rico as virus makes its way through field https://t.co/9XijbP1Uc6
— AZSP Sports News (@AzspNews) February 10, 2025
Despite battling a widespread virus, No. 1-ranked Ole Miss managed to take a two-shot lead after the opening round of the Puerto Rico Classic at Grand Reserve Golf Club. Several players across multiple teams struggled with illness, with reports of golfers vomiting mid-round and at least one confirmed withdrawal. LSU’s Nicholas Arcement had to pull out, leaving his team short-handed in the competition.
Even with some team members visibly unwell, Ole Miss surged to 16-under par, leading Purdue by two strokes and fourth-ranked Oklahoma by three. Head coach Chris Malloy acknowledged that his squad was not at full strength, making their performance all the more impressive.
A Field Struggling to Stay Healthy
Beyond Ole Miss, North Florida—which is tied with LSU for sixth place—is also battling flu and other ailments. Despite this, Brett Schell, a former Ole Miss player, posted an exceptional 7-under 65, leading the individual standings. Close behind him are Ole Miss teammates Cam Tankersley and Cohen Trolio, along with Purdue’s Kent Hsiao, all sitting at 6-under.
This illness issue isn’t new for Ole Miss. Last season, a similar outbreak during the SEC Championship derailed their postseason hopes, preventing advancement past NCAA Regionals. Michael La Sasso, a key player at the time, was among those affected.
With more rounds remaining, the uncertainty surrounding the health of the field continues. Can Ole Miss maintain their lead despite the virus? Will sick players push through as competition intensifies? Tuesday’s second round could prove even more challenging as both the leaderboard and health battles unfold. Follow My Golf Essentials Newsletter for regular updates.
