The AmateurGolf.com Pacific Grove Championship, presented by Callaway Golf, kicked off under ideal coastal conditions at Pacific Grove Golf Links, a city-owned gem often referred to as “The Poor Man’s Pebble Beach.” The Jack Neville-designed back nine, which runs alongside 17-Mile Drive and the Pacific Ocean, provided a stunning backdrop.

Fremont’s Alexander Pangelinan set the early pace in the men’s division, firing an impressive 7-under 63 to take the solo lead. Despite limited practice time due to Northern California’s recent weather, Pangelinan felt in control of his game, capitalizing on a strong stretch of birdies at holes 5, 6, and 7 while narrowly missing additional opportunities on 8 and 9.

“It was definitely a mental challenge more than a physical one,” said Pangelinan. “The course isn’t that long, but if you miss in the wrong spots, you can make big numbers quickly. I just focused on staying in the present, one shot at a time.”

In the women’s division, Sydney Silva of Castro Valley and a University of Arizona commit carded an even-par 72 to take the lead by two shots. A long hitter who enjoys taking aggressive lines off the tee, Silva found the layout suited her style and left herself with plenty of scoring chances.