Paradise Island, Bahamas – December 15, 2025 – Before the sun even rose and play even began, gale force winds had already started to rip their way across the island. With 36 holes on tap at the Ocean Club Golf Course, these conditions would prove to stymie this elite amateur field. But not Zach Pollo.
Pollo, a senior at the University of Arizona, shot a remarkable 4-under 68 during Round 1 of the White Sands Bahamas Men’s Invitational, all while battling 35 mile-per-hour gusts. He did not slow down during the afternoon wave either, following up his stellar opening score with a 3-under 69. He sits at 7-under par through 36 holes and leads by three shots.
“In the wind, you have to flight it,” Pollo said after. “I was just hitting the ball well. And then, when I missed the greens, I was able to get it up and down. So, my scrambling saved me a lot of strokes as well.”
Remarkably, Pollo added after his round that he had struggled with his game as of late. But while many other players faltered, Pollo rose to the occasion. He took things one step at a time, making sure that he did not “over complicate things.”
And now, with a three-shot advantage going into Tuesday’s final round, Pollo has a great opportunity to capture one of the two PGA TOUR exemptions up for grabs. The winner and the runner-up will receive invites into the Puerto Rico Open next March or the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic in May.
Yet, many other talented players lurk not too far behind.
Filip Jakubcik, the highest ranked player in the field and the reigning European Amateur Champion, is one of those players at 4-under par.
Despite the challenging conditions, Jakubcik remained positive throughout.
“Honestly, the whole day today, I was just thinking about having fun,” Jakubcik said.
“I am having so much fun. Just trying to make as many birdies as I can.”
Jakubcik, a native of Czechia, carded eight par-breakers on the day but said his best shot came on the 12th, where he ultimately made a par. He hit it to 25-feet feet, then two-putted from there, escaping with a three. But this par-3, which plays over water and straight into the teeth of the wind, was the most difficult hole on Monday. Some players even hit driver while most hit a long-iron or 3-wood, which explains why Jakubcik felt proud of his approach during his opening round. The hole measured 208 in the morning and 181 yards in the afternoon but played to almost 240 at some points throughout the day. That helps paint the picture of how challenging the conditions were on Monday, leading many to compare the wind today to the gusts so often seen at The Open Championship each year.
Yet, what made things most difficult for players were the crosswinds.
“So many crosswinds,” uttered Boston Bracken, the Arizona State Freshman who also sits at 4-under.
“It was so hard trying to understand how much the ball is going to curve, but I feel like I did a pretty good job of that today.”
Bracken shot a 1-under 71 this morning but made an eagle on the par-5 13th – his final hole of the day – which gave him a healthy dose of momentum going into Round 2. He then carded a 3-under 69 in the afternoon and now is squarely in the mix going into the final round.
“Continue to have fun and stay positive,” Bracken said about his mindset going into Tuesday.
“How can you not? What is there not to love about The Bahamas.”
The full leaderboard, as well as hole assignments for the final round shotgun, can be found here.
For the latest updates, follow @WhiteSandsBah on Instagram and Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jack Milko
U.S. Manager for PR & Communications, SPORTFIVE
[email protected]
585-749-7773
BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INVESTMENTS & AVIATION CONTACT:
Rissie Demeritte
[email protected]
ATLANTIS CONTACT:
Katie Longley, Atlantis Paradise Island
[email protected]
242-376-1034
ABOUT SPORTFIVE
SPORTFIVE is a global sports marketing agency that delivers customer-centric solutions based on trust and transparency, deep industry experience and global relationships, digital intelligence and innovation. SPORTFIVE strategically and creatively connects brands, rightsholders, media platforms and fans to create and enable contemporary partnerships in sports.
While creating and growing long-term value for all, SPORTFIVE often leads the sports business into the future through innovative digital solutions and strives to be the most progressive and respected partner in sports.
Being at the center of professional sport SPORTFIVE will use its unique position, in order to make a positive contribution to sustainability and to live up to the social and economic duty and responsibility, which sport and consequently all parties involved, also have. SPORTFIVE operates with a global mindset and network of over 1,200 local experts based in 15 countries around the world, active in Football, Golf, Handball, Motorsport, Esports, Cricket, Tennis, American Football, Basketball, Hockey, Rugby, Olympics and Multi-Sport Events, Wintersports and many more.
ABOUT THE BAHAMAS
With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly-away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram to see why “It’s Better in The Bahamas.”
ABOUT THE OCEAN CLUB GOLF COURSE
Atlantis Paradise Island’s Ocean Club Golf Course offers a challenging and beautiful course for golfers desiring championship play. Masterfully conceived, the Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole, par 72 championship course stretches over 7,100 yards on Atlantis’ peninsula. The course has hosted iconic sporting events such as the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI), the Michael Douglas & Friends Celebrity Golf Tournament and the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic. For more information about Atlantis Paradise Island resort and the Ocean Club please visit www.atlantisbahamas.com.
Photo Credit: Ronnie Archer
