The first round of the LPGA Coates Golf Championship presented by R+L Carriers at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club got off to a swift, but chilly start on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015. The field of 120 golfers began tee offs at 7:30 a.m. from the first and tenth holes as temperatures hovered around 35 degrees. Here is the Coates Golf Championship Opening Recap straight from Golden Ocala.

Cheyenne Woods chats with her caddie before tee off.

Fan Arrive Early to See Favorite Players

As the sun rose over the golf course, the ladies made their way around in groups of 3 as crowds began arriving to get good spots in the spectator galleries to see their favorite players.

Sadena Parks gets last minute coaching from her caddie before her tee off.

By late morning, the crowds grew as tee off times drew near for LPGA favorites like Michelle Wie, Stacy Lewis, Inbee Park, Lydia Ko, Morgan Pressel, and Brittany Lincicome.

Inbee Park and Paula Creamer getting in a few practice swings before they tee off.

The group of spectators at the 10^th tee became a popular gallery within close proximity to the 1^st tee and the 18^th hole. It’s also near the merchandise tents for Golden Ocala gear along with that of Coates Golf.

Michelle Wie leans to get a better look at her ball.

Fans were excited to witness the LPGA event so close to home and were pleased how the event was set up. The crowd included a number of Golden Ocala members who said they were happy to forego a week of playing the course for the chance to see the pros in town.

Fans show support for Korean players on the tour.

By lunch time Wednesday, Ha-Na Jang of South Korea topped the leader board. Spectators included a number of fans cheering on the South Korean golfers where the sport is very popular.

For the hometown crowd, it was time for Ocala to shine as live coverage of the tournament began on the Golf Channel. The commentators talked about the overall beauty of the course as many of the tribute holes in the back nine were televised.

Golden Ocala Scenery

Also taking center stage were the beautiful homes of Golden Ocala in the background as the golfers played the course. The television commentators mentioned the charm and appeal of Ocala, just north of Orlando where a number of golfers now call home.

Golfer Karrie Webb is no stranger to Golden Ocala. Webb won her first tournament, the Future Tour’s Golden Flake Classic, in an eight shot runaway 20 years ago as a pro at Golden Ocala.

The inaugural Coates Golf Championship continues through Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015. Connect with us on social media for more updates as the world’s 120 top LPGA players compete for a $1.5 million purse right here on our championship golf course.