Bradenton’s David Gao trails by eight after 100th Florida State Amateur first round

Bradenton’s David Gao posted the best score among Manatee County hopefuls in Thursday’s first round at the 100th Florida State Amateur. Gao, a Saint Stephen’s golfer, carded a 75 to tie for 36th place. Lakewood Ranch’s Kymer Li (81), Bradenton’s Matthew Bruton (84) and Bradenton’s Stefan Strandlund (87) rounded out county competitors playing the event co-hosted by The Bear’s Club in Jupiter and the Lost Tree Club in North Palm Beach.

Clearwater’s Greyson Porter holds a one-shot lead over Cristian DiMarco following a 67 at the Lost Tree Club.

The tournament continues with the second round on Friday, where a 36-hole cut trims the field to the low 70 players and ties heading into the final two rounds this weekend at The Bear’s Club.

This story was originally published June 22, 2017 at 9:26 PM.