Joe Durant, Bob Estes, Freddie Jacobson tied

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Rocco Mediate played “boring golf,” to use his words, in the first round of the 2024 Constellation Furyk & Friends on Friday.

But if he stays in the mix through the weekend at the Timuquana Country Club, it might be anything but boring.

Mediate played a bogey-free round of 67, with birdies on three of the four par 5s, and is among a five-way tie for second, one shot behind co-leaders Joe Durant, Bob Estes and PGA Tour Champions rookie Freddie Jacobson.

Joining Mediate at 5 under on a day that broke the tournament record for first-round scoring were Paul Goydos, Tim Herron, Scott Parel and Jason Caron.

World Golf Hall of Fame member and three-time major champion Vijay Singh and 1995 Players champion Lee Janzen led seven players at 4 under. Defending champion Brett Quigley and Jacksonville native David Duval, who grew up at Timuquana, were among the players at 3 under — with Duval making birdie on three of five holes on the back nine.

Also shooting a 69 was 70-year-old Jay Haas, who matched or beat his age for the 13th time this season.

Davis Love III, a two-time Players champion and Hall of Fame member, posted a 70. Schwab Cup money leader Ernie Els and Fred Funk of Jacksonville shot 71, John Daly 72 and tournament host Jim Furyk, “running on fumes” after captaining last week’s Presidents Cup victory for the U.S., had a 73.

Rocco Mediate seeking first victory since 2019

Mediate, with a cigar almost constantly in his hand or mouth during the round, wearing shirts designed to be worn untucked, shaving about twice a week and with a ready smile or a joke for fans, is coming off two good performances, a tie for seventh at the Sanford International and a tie for third at the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach.

The former Ponte Vedra Beach resident who now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, won the last of his four Champions Tour titles in 2019 and at 61 years old, the window may be closing.

But he’ll have fun trying.

For example, consider Mediate’s explanation for posting scores in the 60s in six of his last eight competitive rounds.

“They’re only letting me play 16 holes,” he said.

Mediate also downshifted into self-deprecation when he wondered what it would be like to do it all the time, like Champions tour all-time winner Bernhard Langer.

“Bernhard plays every round of golf like I played today,” he said. “That’s why he’s Bernhard.”

Mediate doesn’t fall for Timuquana ‘tricks’

Mediate may be…