Rainy Opening Round Sets the Stage at Minnesota Adaptive Open

EDINA, Minn. — A beautiful sunrise gave way to cold, rainy conditions Saturday at Braemar Golf Course, where 54 golfers representing 17 states gathered for the opening round of the 2026 Minnesota Adaptive Open.

Before the rain started, MGA volunteer and Minnesota native Bryan See, competing in his first Minnesota Adaptive Open, had the honor of hitting the opening tee shot of the championship.

Reflecting on what it meant to open the tournament, See explained, “I was thankful for the opportunity to do it. It found the fairway, so it was good. It was nice to do that.”

The conditions did not deter Colorado’s Justin Carlock. Competing in the Upper Limb Impairment (ULI) division, Carlock carded a five-under-par 67 to lead the Men’s Overall Division and ULI Division.

Earlier this year, Carlock, an assistant golf professional at Eaton Country Club in Eaton, Colo., finished in a tie for third place at the U.S. Adaptive Open. On Saturday, he found himself near the top of the leaderboard, this time overcoming the elements to put together the day’s best round.

Carlock credited his wife and caddie for helping him navigate the challenging conditions.

“I am attributing 99% of my round today to my lovely, better half. She was on bag for the first time ever and she did a phenomenal job of using the umbrella to keep us really dry,” Carlock said.

Carlock said the key was staying patient and taking each shot as it came.

“It was definitely a battle – this course already has a lot of teeth as it is and then you throw in conditions like this: cold, windy and rainy. Just trying to survive and play golf at the same time.”

Carlock started on the 10th hole and was one-over through his first five holes before turning things around.

Beginning on the 15th, Carlock caught fire, making six birdies over his next eight holes to get to five-under for the round.

“It started on 15, the pin was front right in the bowl and I hit a really good shot in there and ended up making the putt. It was kind of the first putt I made all day so that was nice.

“I just hit good tee balls putting myself in the right spot and plotted my way around the golf course. I was trying not to be too greedy and ended up close [to the pin] and made some putts.”

Looking ahead to the final round, Carlock wants to do much of the same tomorrow.

“We’ll just try to do the exact same thing we did today. I think if I can do the exact same thing, we might be exactly where we want to be tomorrow.”

Wisconsin’s Sarah Larson claimed a commanding lead in the Women’s Overall and Women’s Upper Limb Impairment divisions. The 2025 Women’s Overall champion battled early-round jitters but eventually settled into the round.

“It was definitely a battle - I was battling between the ears. Competition is something I think some people have a hard time with … but I finally got myself together and started getting off the tee a little more,” Larson explained.

Looking to defend her title tomorrow, Larson plans to use the momentum from the end of the round to springboard her round tomorrow.

“Going into tomorrow, I’m hoping to defend my title. It would be great if I do and if I don’t it’s ok. I want to start how I ended today. I ended par-par and I missed a birdie putt on the last hole. If I can continue that momentum and mindset, I’ll be ok.”

The leaderboard features several close races heading into Sunday’s final round.

In the Senior Overall Division, John Trenchik of Ohio and Pat Schroeder of South Dakota are tied for the lead after carding a pair of seven-over-par 79s. They hold a four-shot lead over Dave Reiger of Texas.

The Lower Limb Impairment Division also features a close race with Minnesotan Kyle Erickson and Kentucky’s Blake Ryan tied at seven-over, one shot ahead of Minnesotan Corey Eakins.

Justin VanLanduit, the 2025 Men’s Overall Division runner-up, holds a sizable lead in the Coordination Impairment Division after firing a two-over-par 74 which also puts him in second place in the Men’s Overall Division.

The Intellectual Impairment Division remains within reach, with Minnesotan Andrew Berglund holding a three-shot lead over fellow Minnesotan and 2025 Division champion Nic Urban.

Max Togisala, the 2025 Men’s Overall Division champion, leads the Seated Player Division after shooting a three-over 78 good enough for third place in the Men’s Overall Division as well.

In the Multiple Limb Amputee Impairment Division, Minnesotan Shawn Mittag holds a seven-shot lead after opening with a 92.

With several divisions still up for grabs, the 2026 Minnesota Adaptive Open will conclude Sunday at Braemar. The final round is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.

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