MARANA, Ariz. — The 2026 Gallery Invitational Four-Ball is underway at The Gallery Golf Club, and the opening round delivered exactly what this championship has become known for: high-level competition, standout team play, and scoring opportunities that reward aggressive execution.

Contested on the South Course at Dove Mountain, Round 1 produced a mix of low numbers and tightly grouped leaderboards across all flights, setting the stage for a compelling final round on the North Course—one of Golfweek’s top-ranked modern designs.

Open Flight: Bailey & St. Clair Set the Pace

Travis Bailey and Nick St. Clair lead the Open Flight after an impressive 5-under 67, the lowest round in the division. Their performance stands out on a course that has hosted PGA Tour competition, including the Accenture World Match Play Championship.

Kyle Rector and Andrew Sherman sit in second after an opening 1-under 71, keeping themselves well within striking distance heading into the final round. Jason Dinkel and Chase Hoops, along with Trakker Danjanovich and Ethan Edmonds, are tied for third at 1-over 73, while Jon Brogan and Steven Mahaffey round out the top five.

With multiple teams capable of going low, the Open Flight remains firmly in play heading into Saturday.

Senior Flight: Defalco & Hoops Go Low

The round of the day came in the Senior Flight, where Jeremy Defalco and Bryan Hoops posted a remarkable 12-under 60 to take a commanding early lead. Their performance creates separation, but the two-man best ball format leaves room for movement on the final day.

Randy Danjanovich and Paul Edmonds are in second at 1-under 71, followed by Keith Atkins and Shadd Stultz at 2-over 74.

Super Senior Flight: Tight Race Developing

The Super Senior division features one of the closest races after Day 1. Bob Cloud and Jim Reynolds lead at 4-under 68, but Robin Bradbury and Guy Mertz are just two shots back at 2-under 70.

Dennis Fields and Thomas Roos sit at 1-under 71, while a group of teams at 1-over 73 remain firmly in contention heading into the final round.

Championship Venue Delivers

The Gallery Golf Club continues to showcase why it is one of the premier tournament venues in the Southwest. With two championship courses set against the Sonoran Desert and the Tortolita Mountains, the event combines elite competition with a world-class setting.

The South Course tested players with firm conditions and strategic shot-making, while the North Course—set to host the final round—will present dramatic elevation changes and canyon-lined holes that demand precision under pressure.

Final Round Ahead

With 36 holes determining the champions, the final round on the North Course will decide it all. From the chase in the Open Flight to the commanding lead in the Senior division and the tightly packed Super Senior race, every flight remains competitive.

As always, the Gallery Invitational continues to deliver one of the strongest early-season tests in amateur golf, drawing teams back year after year for its combination of elite courses and high-level competition.