Bill “The GolfFather” Cuebas Ignite Golf Network
It’s Moving Day at the Chubb Classic on the Black Course at Tiburón Golf Club — and the momentum actually started building long before players teed off this morning. Ignite Golf Network is on hand covering and reporting all the action.
Darren Clarke lit the fuse late in Round 1, delivering one of the strongest closing stretches of the day. He eagled two of his final four holes — Nos. 15 and 18 — and played the par‑5s in a blistering 6‑under. That surge powered him to a 7‑under 65, good enough to vault him into a share of the lead alongside Michael Wright.
Clarke’s finish wasn’t just impressive — it was a statement. The kind of close that reminds the field that experience, patience, and a hot putter can flip a leaderboard in minutes.
Michael Wright matched that 65 with steady, confident play of his own, keeping pace at the top as the field heads into the heart of the weekend.
Behind them, a trio sits just one shot back at 6‑under — including defending champion Justin Leonard, who opened with a smooth 66. Leonard looked comfortable from the start, navigating the Black Course with the kind of precision that won him the title last year. Scott Parel and Ricardo Gonzalez joined him at –6, each posting strong, composed rounds to stay firmly in the hunt.
Rob Labritz sits at –5, very much within striking distance as Moving Day unfolds.
All of this action is set against the stunning backdrop of Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades — Florida’s Paradise Coast. Blue skies stretch across the horizon, soft white clouds drift lazily overhead, and the Black Course is presenting itself in pristine, championship-ready condition. It’s the kind of setting that invites low scores — and punishes anything less than sharp execution.
Round One Leaderboard
• Darren Clarke –7 (65)
• Michael Wright –7 (65)
• Justin Leonard –6 (66) Defending Champion
• Scott Parel –6 (66)
• Ricardo Gonzalez –6 (66)
• Rob Labritz –5 (67)
Round 2 results will be posted later as Moving Day unfolds. Round Two Groupings