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Bob Rosburg, who won the 1959 PGA Championship and spent three decades with ABC Sports as the first reporter to call the shots from the golf course, has died. He was 82.
The PGA Tour said Rosburg died Thursday at home in Palm Springs, Calif. He had been battling cancer, but longtime friend Sal Johnson wrote on his blog that Rosburg died of head injuries after a fall.
Rosburg won six times on the PGA Tour, his biggest victory coming at the 1959 PGA Championship when he rallied from six shots behind at Minneapolis Golf Club to beat Jerry Barber and Doug Sanders for his only major.
He had finished second at the U.S. Open earlier that year, and a decade later missed a 3-foot putt that would have forced a playoff in the 1969 U.S. Open at Champions Golf Club in Houston.
He achieved greater fame through television.
Rosburg, known as "Rossie" by his colleagues, was hired by ABC Sports in 1974. Instead of sitting in a tower, the network decided it needed a golfer to call the action from the course. Today, every network has on-course reporters.
Rosburg was famous for responding to questions about a particular shot by saying, "He's got no chance."
"I haven't said, 'He's got no chance' in four years," Rosburg said in a 2002 article for Golf Digest magazine. "I have nothing against the expression. It's just that players nowadays always have a chance."
Rosburg grew up in San Francisco playing golf at The Olympic Club, where at age 12 he defeated Ty Cobb in the club championship. He played baseball and golf at Stanford, then turned to golf in 1953.
He won his first PGA Tour event a year later, beating Bo Wininger by one shot in the 1954 Miami Open. His last victory came in 1972 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.
Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.
The PGA Tour said Rosburg died Thursday at home in Palm Springs, Calif. He had been battling cancer, but longtime friend Sal Johnson wrote on his blog that Rosburg died of head injuries after a fall.
Rosburg won six times on the PGA Tour, his biggest victory coming at the 1959 PGA Championship when he rallied from six shots behind at Minneapolis Golf Club to beat Jerry Barber and Doug Sanders for his only major.
He had finished second at the U.S. Open earlier that year, and a decade later missed a 3-foot putt that would have forced a playoff in the 1969 U.S. Open at Champions Golf Club in Houston.
He achieved greater fame through television.
Rosburg, known as "Rossie" by his colleagues, was hired by ABC Sports in 1974. Instead of sitting in a tower, the network decided it needed a golfer to call the action from the course. Today, every network has on-course reporters.
Rosburg was famous for responding to questions about a particular shot by saying, "He's got no chance."
"I haven't said, 'He's got no chance' in four years," Rosburg said in a 2002 article for Golf Digest magazine. "I have nothing against the expression. It's just that players nowadays always have a chance."
Rosburg grew up in San Francisco playing golf at The Olympic Club, where at age 12 he defeated Ty Cobb in the club championship. He played baseball and golf at Stanford, then turned to golf in 1953.
He won his first PGA Tour event a year later, beating Bo Wininger by one shot in the 1954 Miami Open. His last victory came in 1972 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.
Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.
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2009/04/17
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The Preakness Stakes was exciting as always. Rachel Alexandra is the winner of the 134th Preakness Stakes! With the rain beginning to come down right before post time, the handicappers were in a frenzy.............
Read more: 2009 Preakness Stakes Winner
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Read more: 2009 Preakness Stakes Winner
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2006/12/07
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Former Masters champ Zach Johnson made a birdie-fuelled charge through the field at the Texas Open that propelled him into the clubhouse lead and nearly got him into the record books.
The 33-year-old defending champion fired a 10-under 60 in the rain-soaked third round of the 6.1 million dollar PGA event, coming within one shot of becoming just the fourth player in PGA history to shoot a 59.
"I hit a lot of quality shots. I think I had to get up and down twice for par," Johnson said. "I don't think I missed a green on the backside."
Johnson matched the course record at the soggy La Cantera course and took a three-shot lead at 15-under 195.
Johnson, who won the 2007 Masters, missed a 19-foot birdie putt at the 18th hole which would have given him a 59. He tapped in for par just seconds after the horn sounded to signal that play had been halted because of darkness.
"I did not want to leave that putt short," Johnson said. "But, whatever, it was nearly pitch black."
In a round that was suspended by a five-hour rain delay, Johnson finished with eight birdies and holed out from 84 yards for an eagle on the par-four seventh.
Americans Paul Goydos and Justin Leonard were at 12-under total after 12 holes. Leonard was three-under on the day.
Goydos, who is seeking the third win of his career, began the third round with the biggest 36-hole lead of his career.
He and Leonard will return to the 13th hole to complete their round on Sunday morning before heading into the final round.
"I feel like I've got a couple birdie holes to play in the morning, and then hopefully have some in the afternoon," Leonard said.
A total of 14 players were left on the course when play was stopped for good. Players will tee off from the first and 10th tees in the fourth round.
Johnson made five birdies during a seven-hole stretch that began on the 11th hole.
It took Jonathan Kaye a little more than three hours to play his first 17 holes but it took nearly five hours to play the 18th hole and shoot a 63 because of the delay.
When Kaye resumed his round he didn't miss a step, making par after leaving his ball in the middle of the fairway.
The 33-year-old defending champion fired a 10-under 60 in the rain-soaked third round of the 6.1 million dollar PGA event, coming within one shot of becoming just the fourth player in PGA history to shoot a 59.
"I hit a lot of quality shots. I think I had to get up and down twice for par," Johnson said. "I don't think I missed a green on the backside."
Johnson matched the course record at the soggy La Cantera course and took a three-shot lead at 15-under 195.
Johnson, who won the 2007 Masters, missed a 19-foot birdie putt at the 18th hole which would have given him a 59. He tapped in for par just seconds after the horn sounded to signal that play had been halted because of darkness.
"I did not want to leave that putt short," Johnson said. "But, whatever, it was nearly pitch black."
In a round that was suspended by a five-hour rain delay, Johnson finished with eight birdies and holed out from 84 yards for an eagle on the par-four seventh.
Americans Paul Goydos and Justin Leonard were at 12-under total after 12 holes. Leonard was three-under on the day.
Goydos, who is seeking the third win of his career, began the third round with the biggest 36-hole lead of his career.
He and Leonard will return to the 13th hole to complete their round on Sunday morning before heading into the final round.
"I feel like I've got a couple birdie holes to play in the morning, and then hopefully have some in the afternoon," Leonard said.
A total of 14 players were left on the course when play was stopped for good. Players will tee off from the first and 10th tees in the fourth round.
Johnson made five birdies during a seven-hole stretch that began on the 11th hole.
It took Jonathan Kaye a little more than three hours to play his first 17 holes but it took nearly five hours to play the 18th hole and shoot a 63 because of the delay.
When Kaye resumed his round he didn't miss a step, making par after leaving his ball in the middle of the fairway.
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2009/04/17
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Sophomore Scott Smith climbed nine more spots to finish in a tie for 57th at the NCAA West Regional, held Thursday-Saturday, May 14-16 at the par 72, 6,863 Lake Merced Golf Club.
Smith shot a one-under 71 for the second consecutive round to move from 66th to 57th with a three-day total of five-over 221 (79-71-71). Arizona State’s Jesper Kennegard turned in his third straight sub-par round with a two-under 70 on Saturday to capture individual medalist honors at 12-under 204 (66-68-70). He held off Texas A&M’s Bronson Burgoon by one stroke (69-72-64=205).
Arizona State won the NCAA West Regional with a three-round total of 36-under 828 (279-275-274). The Sun Devils turned in a nine-stroke victory over Oregon (837). ASU, Oregon, Texas A&M, San Diego and USC and individual Brady Johnson of BYU all qualified for the 2009 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championships May 26-30 at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.
For Nevada, Smith finished the season with a team-best 72.86 stroke average. A first-team All-Western Athletic Conference selection, he led the Wolf Pack with seven top 20 finishes and 15 rounds at or under par
Smith shot a one-under 71 for the second consecutive round to move from 66th to 57th with a three-day total of five-over 221 (79-71-71). Arizona State’s Jesper Kennegard turned in his third straight sub-par round with a two-under 70 on Saturday to capture individual medalist honors at 12-under 204 (66-68-70). He held off Texas A&M’s Bronson Burgoon by one stroke (69-72-64=205).
Arizona State won the NCAA West Regional with a three-round total of 36-under 828 (279-275-274). The Sun Devils turned in a nine-stroke victory over Oregon (837). ASU, Oregon, Texas A&M, San Diego and USC and individual Brady Johnson of BYU all qualified for the 2009 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championships May 26-30 at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.
For Nevada, Smith finished the season with a team-best 72.86 stroke average. A first-team All-Western Athletic Conference selection, he led the Wolf Pack with seven top 20 finishes and 15 rounds at or under par
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2009/04/17
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American Idol finale has become one of the most watched television programs year after year. It is a show that tens of millions of people tune in to watch, hoping to correctly pick the next American Idol. Every year, more and more gamblers are choosing to place wagers on American Idol and the majority of gamblers are doing so online.
The finale begins on Tuesday night and concludes on Wednesday with the results show.
Make your bet at: Bodog Sportsbook
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The finale begins on Tuesday night and concludes on Wednesday with the results show.
Make your bet at: Bodog Sportsbook
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2006/12/07
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Overland's Somin Lee shot a 1-under-par 71 Monday at Collindale Golf Course to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the Class 5A state high school girls golf championships.
Lee was the only player to break par on a scorching day that saw many players wilt under the sun. She made 2s on two of the four par-3s and didn't have anything above a 5 on her scorecard.
Lee, a sophomore, had a two-shot lead over Highland Ranch's Libby Avery and Skyline's Amy Hodgkinson.
Loveland's Bethany Buchner, who tied for second last year, had a 75 and shared sixth place.
Highlands Ranch (236) and Skyline (238) were a close 1-2 in the team race, with Cherry Creek (245) and host Fort Collins (247) third and fourth, respectively.
Lee was the only player to break par on a scorching day that saw many players wilt under the sun. She made 2s on two of the four par-3s and didn't have anything above a 5 on her scorecard.
Lee, a sophomore, had a two-shot lead over Highland Ranch's Libby Avery and Skyline's Amy Hodgkinson.
Loveland's Bethany Buchner, who tied for second last year, had a 75 and shared sixth place.
Highlands Ranch (236) and Skyline (238) were a close 1-2 in the team race, with Cherry Creek (245) and host Fort Collins (247) third and fourth, respectively.
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2009/04/17
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Irish amateur Shane Lowry capped off his remarkable debut on the European Tour by winning the Irish Open title on Sunday on the third hole of a playoff against Robert Rock of England.
Lowry, who missed a three-foot putt to win on the last hole of the fourth round as he and Rock finished tied at 17-under 271, finally sealed victory on the third extra hole.
“I don’t know how I missed that putt on the 72nd. I just pulled it,” Lowry said.
They halved the first two tries of the playoff on the par-5 18th, but Lowry made par on the third attempt as Rock missed the green with his third shot and took three more to get down.
Lowry became only the third amateur to win on the European Tour. Danny Lee of New Zealand won the Johnnie Walker Classic in February and Pablo Martin of Spain took the Russian Open in 2007.
He is the first amateur to win in his debut appearance.
As he left the green, Rory McIlroy had a brief word in his ear. “He just told me ‘Don’t worry. Just keep it going,”’ Lowry said.
In the playoff, Rock missed a 10-footer for victory on the first hole but made a 9-footer to match Lowry’s birdie at the second try.
Both missed the fairway on the next effort and were short of the green, but Lowry pitched to 20 feet and two putted. Rock cleared the green, pitched to seven feet and missed.
“I can’t describe how I feel. I had an invite to play here and just wanted to make the cut. But after I shot 62 Friday, I felt I could win,” Lowry said.
McIlroy, who tied 45th in a disappointing week, was delighted for his friend.
“This was awesome,”he said. “Shane’s a great guy and thoroughly deserved this. To have to survive a three-hole playoff was incredible.”
Lowry may decide to turn pro immediately. If he does, he can play in this week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
“I’ll have to think about it overnight and talk to a few people,” Lowry said.
McIlroy thought he should. “He has nothing left to do as an amateur,” he said.
Rock said he was trying to chip in from off the green with his fourth shot on the last hole. “You have to. I thought I needed it to win,” he said. “But I hit it too hard.”
Sweden’s Johan Edfors also shot 71 to take third place at 273. Marc Warren (68) and Nick Dougherty (69) were tied for fourth at 275.
European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, in contention after three rounds, soared to a closing 80 to tie for 41st.
Lowry, who missed a three-foot putt to win on the last hole of the fourth round as he and Rock finished tied at 17-under 271, finally sealed victory on the third extra hole.
“I don’t know how I missed that putt on the 72nd. I just pulled it,” Lowry said.
They halved the first two tries of the playoff on the par-5 18th, but Lowry made par on the third attempt as Rock missed the green with his third shot and took three more to get down.
Lowry became only the third amateur to win on the European Tour. Danny Lee of New Zealand won the Johnnie Walker Classic in February and Pablo Martin of Spain took the Russian Open in 2007.
He is the first amateur to win in his debut appearance.
As he left the green, Rory McIlroy had a brief word in his ear. “He just told me ‘Don’t worry. Just keep it going,”’ Lowry said.
In the playoff, Rock missed a 10-footer for victory on the first hole but made a 9-footer to match Lowry’s birdie at the second try.
Both missed the fairway on the next effort and were short of the green, but Lowry pitched to 20 feet and two putted. Rock cleared the green, pitched to seven feet and missed.
“I can’t describe how I feel. I had an invite to play here and just wanted to make the cut. But after I shot 62 Friday, I felt I could win,” Lowry said.
McIlroy, who tied 45th in a disappointing week, was delighted for his friend.
“This was awesome,”he said. “Shane’s a great guy and thoroughly deserved this. To have to survive a three-hole playoff was incredible.”
Lowry may decide to turn pro immediately. If he does, he can play in this week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
“I’ll have to think about it overnight and talk to a few people,” Lowry said.
McIlroy thought he should. “He has nothing left to do as an amateur,” he said.
Rock said he was trying to chip in from off the green with his fourth shot on the last hole. “You have to. I thought I needed it to win,” he said. “But I hit it too hard.”
Sweden’s Johan Edfors also shot 71 to take third place at 273. Marc Warren (68) and Nick Dougherty (69) were tied for fourth at 275.
European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, in contention after three rounds, soared to a closing 80 to tie for 41st.
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2009/04/17
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Racing industry leaders will gather at Churchill Downs on Wednesday to discuss in detail the threats to and solutions for Kentucky's Thoroughbred industry as a call to arms before a possible special legislative session next month that could consider expanded gambling.
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2006/12/07
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Loveland's Bethany Buchner rallied from a four-shot deficit Tuesday to win the Class 5A state high school girls golf championship.
Buchner, a two-time state runner-up who has a golf scholarship to New Mexico, shot a par 72 at Collindale Golf Course to complete the two-day tournament with a score of 3-over 147.
Lakewood's Andi Hibbert was second at 149, two shots behind Buchner.
Overland's Somin Lee, the 18-hole leader after an opening 71, tied for third at 150 after a final-round 79. Lee, who briefly shared the lead in the final holes, finished bogey-double bogey to fall out of contention.
Lee had a chance to force a playoff with a birdie 3 on the 18th hole but couldn't sink her third shot from a green-side bunker. She wound up with a 6 on the hole.
Buchner, a two-time state runner-up who has a golf scholarship to New Mexico, shot a par 72 at Collindale Golf Course to complete the two-day tournament with a score of 3-over 147.
Lakewood's Andi Hibbert was second at 149, two shots behind Buchner.
Overland's Somin Lee, the 18-hole leader after an opening 71, tied for third at 150 after a final-round 79. Lee, who briefly shared the lead in the final holes, finished bogey-double bogey to fall out of contention.
Lee had a chance to force a playoff with a birdie 3 on the 18th hole but couldn't sink her third shot from a green-side bunker. She wound up with a 6 on the hole.
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2009/04/17
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Arnold Palmer called it a “great thrill” to accept an award bearing Byron Nelson’s name.
“I admired him so much as a youngster and followed his career and his game. Then, as time went on and I got to play, I got to know him pretty well,” Palmer said Tuesday after being presented the Byron Nelson Prize. “He was always ready to help.”
The Byron Nelson Prize was established after Nelson’s death in 2006. It’s given to a person or organization in golf who exemplifies the ideals of “giving back.”
PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem, who attended the opening ceremony of the HP Byron Nelson Championship where the prize was awarded, said “anything that perpetuates Byron’s memory” is positive.
The prize comes with a $100,000 contribution to charity. That will be made to the Arnold D. And Winifred W. Palmer Charitable Foundation, which supports hospitals for women and children.
Part of the permanent trophy Palmer received includes one of 14 unfinished wooden clocks that were found in Nelson’s workshop after he died.
In 1968, Nelson became the first player to have a PGA Tour event named after him. Palmer played in the tournament that year and 11 more times, finishing second in 1970.
The Nelson tournament is the biggest charity fundraiser on the PGA Tour, giving nearly $110 million to charities since its inception. That included more than $6 million last year.
“Those things that Byron did over his life were pretty fantastic, and when he won 11 tournaments in a row, I was sitting on the edge of my seat watching and just waiting for it to happen again,” Palmer said. “The whole thing is that he was just a man that continued to contribute to not just the game of golf but to life and to other people. He was a person that I had the highest respect for.”
Nelson won 52 tournaments, including five majors. In 1945, he won 11 consecutive tournaments and 18 overall—both records.
Palmer, who as a kid read a book written by Nelson and considers “Lord Byron” his hero, won 62 times. That is fifth-most on the PGA Tour career list and his streak of 17 consecutive years winning at least once (1955-71) matched Jack Nicklaus for a record.
“Other than my father, I probably got more from Byron and the things that he did in golf than probably any other pro or person,” Palmer said. “I will not say that I tried to copy his style of play, but I did try to copy a lot of the things that he did and some of the discipline that he applied to himself and to his game. … We’re talking about a great man, a great player and a great guy.”
“I admired him so much as a youngster and followed his career and his game. Then, as time went on and I got to play, I got to know him pretty well,” Palmer said Tuesday after being presented the Byron Nelson Prize. “He was always ready to help.”
The Byron Nelson Prize was established after Nelson’s death in 2006. It’s given to a person or organization in golf who exemplifies the ideals of “giving back.”
PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem, who attended the opening ceremony of the HP Byron Nelson Championship where the prize was awarded, said “anything that perpetuates Byron’s memory” is positive.
The prize comes with a $100,000 contribution to charity. That will be made to the Arnold D. And Winifred W. Palmer Charitable Foundation, which supports hospitals for women and children.
Part of the permanent trophy Palmer received includes one of 14 unfinished wooden clocks that were found in Nelson’s workshop after he died.
In 1968, Nelson became the first player to have a PGA Tour event named after him. Palmer played in the tournament that year and 11 more times, finishing second in 1970.
The Nelson tournament is the biggest charity fundraiser on the PGA Tour, giving nearly $110 million to charities since its inception. That included more than $6 million last year.
“Those things that Byron did over his life were pretty fantastic, and when he won 11 tournaments in a row, I was sitting on the edge of my seat watching and just waiting for it to happen again,” Palmer said. “The whole thing is that he was just a man that continued to contribute to not just the game of golf but to life and to other people. He was a person that I had the highest respect for.”
Nelson won 52 tournaments, including five majors. In 1945, he won 11 consecutive tournaments and 18 overall—both records.
Palmer, who as a kid read a book written by Nelson and considers “Lord Byron” his hero, won 62 times. That is fifth-most on the PGA Tour career list and his streak of 17 consecutive years winning at least once (1955-71) matched Jack Nicklaus for a record.
“Other than my father, I probably got more from Byron and the things that he did in golf than probably any other pro or person,” Palmer said. “I will not say that I tried to copy his style of play, but I did try to copy a lot of the things that he did and some of the discipline that he applied to himself and to his game. … We’re talking about a great man, a great player and a great guy.”
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2009/04/17
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Delaware Governor Jack Markell spoke on a Sports Illustrated web telecast Tuesday regarding his decision to support legalized sports betting in his state.
Delaware becomes the only state east of the Mississippi River to allow betting on sports after the governor signed the legislation with Markell signing the bill into law this past Thursday.
Markell explained that 30 years ago that Delaware had a sports lottery and it wasn't successful. But when the U.S. outlawed legalized sports betting across the country, states that already had it were allowed to keep it.
(Unlike neighboring New Jersey, Delaware has no plans to bring sports betting online. New Jersey is still in the process of trying to pass legislation making Internet sports wagering legal).
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Delaware becomes the only state east of the Mississippi River to allow betting on sports after the governor signed the legislation with Markell signing the bill into law this past Thursday.
Markell explained that 30 years ago that Delaware had a sports lottery and it wasn't successful. But when the U.S. outlawed legalized sports betting across the country, states that already had it were allowed to keep it.
(Unlike neighboring New Jersey, Delaware has no plans to bring sports betting online. New Jersey is still in the process of trying to pass legislation making Internet sports wagering legal).
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2006/12/07
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The seventh-ranked LSU women’s golf team got important scoring totals from the bottom of its lineup and remains in the top 10, in eighth place after 36 holes of the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championships at the Cave Valley Golf Club.
LSU posted a round that was two shots higher in the second round, 304, to the Tuesday’s first round (302), but without the play of senior Caroline Martens and Tessa Teachman, the Lady Tigers would not have been in as good a position at the halfway point of the 72-hole event.
Teachman shot the low round of the day in the No. 5 position as the Baton Rouge freshman posted a one-over round of 71, while Martens, despite bogeys on the final two holes, posted a two-over 73.
LSU struggled at the top of its lineup with Amalie Valle and Jacqueline Hedwall both shooting eight-over 80s and Megan McChrystal, LSU’s top player, had four uncharacteristic three-putt greens in a five-over 77.
It was just the second time this season the Lady Tigers have had to count an 80 score, dating back to the first round of the October 2008 Auburn Derby Invitational when LSU counted three rounds of 80.
While it seemed at times that LSU would shoot itself out of an advantageous spot in the final 12 tee times Thursday afternoon, the rest of the field was unable to make up a lot of ground and LSU dropped just three spots to eighth at 30-over 606. But outside the lead of UCLA at 13-over 589, LSU is just 10 shots out of second and six shots out of the top five as LSU tries for its first top 10 finish in the NCAA Division I championships since 2000 at Sunriver, Ore.
“I was very pleased with the way that Tessa and Caroline played (Wednesday),” said LSU Coach Karen Bahnsen. “That was very important because it’s not every day your No. 1 and No. 2 player play the way they did. The course plays pretty long for Amalie, but she was grinding and doing everything she can. But I think she will play well on this golf course. The greens got very fast. They are drying out as the week goes on and they are going to continue to be fast so it is just the adjustments. Megan had four three-putts and that’s just uncharacteristic of her. Jacqueline got hit some bad shots early and got in a hole.
“I think we can come back the next two days and the main thing is don’t get intimidated by this golf course,” the 25-year veteran leader of the Lady Tigers said. “I refuse to let them go there. For this team to relax is very important. That’s how this team performs the best – when they are loose.”
While there weren’t any huge moves by teams on the second day, Southern Cal did move from fourth to second with a second-round 295 to stand at 596, 20-over and seven shots behind leader UCLA, who moved from second to first. Denver continued to be a factor, although they did drop to third at 598, 22-over. No. 1-ranked Arizona State and Oklahoma State are two more shots back tied for fourth at 24-over 600 along with North Carolina with Wake Forest seventh (603), along with LSU (606) and Virginia (607).
Tulane improved its 312 first round to a 305 to stand at 617 (41-over par) and moved up one spot from 17th place to 16th. The Conference USA champs, playing in their first year back as a program after Katrina, has been paced by Janine Fellows with rounds of 76-75 for 151 to stand in a group tied for 28th place.
The stroke average was down just under one full stroke from 77.92 to 77.11 for the second round under warmer, calmer conditions for much of the day. The biggest difference was the greens that became firmer and less receptive to holding long iron shots that many players were forced to play into the lengthy par fours and the two par threes that play over 180 yards each needing all carry over hazards.
“Everybody is commenting on how fast the greens are getting,” said Bahnsen. “You really start second guessing yourself on putts. You can’t be too timid with them, but of course you can’t be too aggressive because it will go six, seven feet past.”
Teachman’s seven birdies for the tournament is one off the tournament best of eight held by four golfers, while Martens leads the team in pars with 26 in 36 holes, one off the tournament best of 27 held by three players.
Maria Jose Uribe, the 13th ranked player in the country, helped put her stamp on UCLA’s lead Wednesday with a six-under par 66 that gives her the halfway individual lead at three-under 141. Four other players are tied for second at one-under par 143. Shockley entered the second round in a tie for 25th but the best round by far of the tournament moved her to the top.
Teachman (78-73) and McChrystal (74-77) are tied for LSU’s top position at 151, seven-over par in a big group tied for 28th place. Teachman moved up 32 spots in the standings. Martens’ 74 moved her up 23 places in the standings to a tie for 37th at eight-over 152.
The Lady Tigers will play in the final wave of the day beginning at 11:50 a.m. CDT playing with Wake Forest (for the third straight round) and Virginia (winner of the LSU Golf Classic) from the ACC. LSU will be looking to keep one of the afternoon tee times for the final round on Friday looking to secure a top finish in the event.
“The good thing is that we are in the afternoon wave with the leaders,” said Bahnsen. “We’ve got to play for position. Typically our team seems to like to come from behind. (Thursday) is key. We need to shoot a better round. It felt like a much higher scoring round because our top didn’t score well. We walked away both days from the golf course feeling like we know we can do better. We’re close.”
Live scoring for the third round is available at LSUsports.net through Golfstat.com. There will also be a webcast of the 16th, 17th and 18th holes Thursday provided by the NCAA from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT and then beginning again at 2 p.m. running until conclusion of the round. A link can be found at LSUsports.net or at ncaasports.com
NCAA Women’s Division I Championship
LSU posted a round that was two shots higher in the second round, 304, to the Tuesday’s first round (302), but without the play of senior Caroline Martens and Tessa Teachman, the Lady Tigers would not have been in as good a position at the halfway point of the 72-hole event.
Teachman shot the low round of the day in the No. 5 position as the Baton Rouge freshman posted a one-over round of 71, while Martens, despite bogeys on the final two holes, posted a two-over 73.
LSU struggled at the top of its lineup with Amalie Valle and Jacqueline Hedwall both shooting eight-over 80s and Megan McChrystal, LSU’s top player, had four uncharacteristic three-putt greens in a five-over 77.
It was just the second time this season the Lady Tigers have had to count an 80 score, dating back to the first round of the October 2008 Auburn Derby Invitational when LSU counted three rounds of 80.
While it seemed at times that LSU would shoot itself out of an advantageous spot in the final 12 tee times Thursday afternoon, the rest of the field was unable to make up a lot of ground and LSU dropped just three spots to eighth at 30-over 606. But outside the lead of UCLA at 13-over 589, LSU is just 10 shots out of second and six shots out of the top five as LSU tries for its first top 10 finish in the NCAA Division I championships since 2000 at Sunriver, Ore.
“I was very pleased with the way that Tessa and Caroline played (Wednesday),” said LSU Coach Karen Bahnsen. “That was very important because it’s not every day your No. 1 and No. 2 player play the way they did. The course plays pretty long for Amalie, but she was grinding and doing everything she can. But I think she will play well on this golf course. The greens got very fast. They are drying out as the week goes on and they are going to continue to be fast so it is just the adjustments. Megan had four three-putts and that’s just uncharacteristic of her. Jacqueline got hit some bad shots early and got in a hole.
“I think we can come back the next two days and the main thing is don’t get intimidated by this golf course,” the 25-year veteran leader of the Lady Tigers said. “I refuse to let them go there. For this team to relax is very important. That’s how this team performs the best – when they are loose.”
While there weren’t any huge moves by teams on the second day, Southern Cal did move from fourth to second with a second-round 295 to stand at 596, 20-over and seven shots behind leader UCLA, who moved from second to first. Denver continued to be a factor, although they did drop to third at 598, 22-over. No. 1-ranked Arizona State and Oklahoma State are two more shots back tied for fourth at 24-over 600 along with North Carolina with Wake Forest seventh (603), along with LSU (606) and Virginia (607).
Tulane improved its 312 first round to a 305 to stand at 617 (41-over par) and moved up one spot from 17th place to 16th. The Conference USA champs, playing in their first year back as a program after Katrina, has been paced by Janine Fellows with rounds of 76-75 for 151 to stand in a group tied for 28th place.
The stroke average was down just under one full stroke from 77.92 to 77.11 for the second round under warmer, calmer conditions for much of the day. The biggest difference was the greens that became firmer and less receptive to holding long iron shots that many players were forced to play into the lengthy par fours and the two par threes that play over 180 yards each needing all carry over hazards.
“Everybody is commenting on how fast the greens are getting,” said Bahnsen. “You really start second guessing yourself on putts. You can’t be too timid with them, but of course you can’t be too aggressive because it will go six, seven feet past.”
Teachman’s seven birdies for the tournament is one off the tournament best of eight held by four golfers, while Martens leads the team in pars with 26 in 36 holes, one off the tournament best of 27 held by three players.
Maria Jose Uribe, the 13th ranked player in the country, helped put her stamp on UCLA’s lead Wednesday with a six-under par 66 that gives her the halfway individual lead at three-under 141. Four other players are tied for second at one-under par 143. Shockley entered the second round in a tie for 25th but the best round by far of the tournament moved her to the top.
Teachman (78-73) and McChrystal (74-77) are tied for LSU’s top position at 151, seven-over par in a big group tied for 28th place. Teachman moved up 32 spots in the standings. Martens’ 74 moved her up 23 places in the standings to a tie for 37th at eight-over 152.
The Lady Tigers will play in the final wave of the day beginning at 11:50 a.m. CDT playing with Wake Forest (for the third straight round) and Virginia (winner of the LSU Golf Classic) from the ACC. LSU will be looking to keep one of the afternoon tee times for the final round on Friday looking to secure a top finish in the event.
“The good thing is that we are in the afternoon wave with the leaders,” said Bahnsen. “We’ve got to play for position. Typically our team seems to like to come from behind. (Thursday) is key. We need to shoot a better round. It felt like a much higher scoring round because our top didn’t score well. We walked away both days from the golf course feeling like we know we can do better. We’re close.”
Live scoring for the third round is available at LSUsports.net through Golfstat.com. There will also be a webcast of the 16th, 17th and 18th holes Thursday provided by the NCAA from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT and then beginning again at 2 p.m. running until conclusion of the round. A link can be found at LSUsports.net or at ncaasports.com
NCAA Women’s Division I Championship
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Two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal has been elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Olazabal, Masters champ in 1994 and 1999, was elected on the International ballot and will be part of the 2009 Hall of Fame Class that also includes Lanny Wadkins and Christy O'Connor. Wadkins was elected through the PGA Tour ballot, while O'Connor was selected in the Veterans Category.
"I am delighted with this news," Olazabal said in a statement. "Only a small group of people are privileged to be in the World Golf Hall of Fame and I have a huge respect for all the players already there.
"There are huge, huge players in the Hall of Fame, legends such as Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and many, many other greats. I am just thrilled that I am going to be just a little part of this."
Olazabal will be the second Spaniard in the Hall, following in the footsteps of good friend Seve Ballesteros. The two were a potent team in Ryder Cup play for Europe, posting an 11-2-2 mark in their 15 matches together.
"I am particularly happy to follow Seve's footsteps into the Hall of Fame," Olazabal added. "He opened so many doors for us and we owe him a huge debt."
In addition to his Masters titles, Olazabal has four other U.S. PGA Tour wins and 21 European Tour victories. He also won twice in Japan and was a member of seven European Ryder Cup teams.
As an 18-year-old amateur, he bested Colin Montgomerie to win the 1984 British Amateur Championship.
The 2009 World Golf Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida on Monday, November 2.
Olazabal, Masters champ in 1994 and 1999, was elected on the International ballot and will be part of the 2009 Hall of Fame Class that also includes Lanny Wadkins and Christy O'Connor. Wadkins was elected through the PGA Tour ballot, while O'Connor was selected in the Veterans Category.
"I am delighted with this news," Olazabal said in a statement. "Only a small group of people are privileged to be in the World Golf Hall of Fame and I have a huge respect for all the players already there.
"There are huge, huge players in the Hall of Fame, legends such as Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and many, many other greats. I am just thrilled that I am going to be just a little part of this."
Olazabal will be the second Spaniard in the Hall, following in the footsteps of good friend Seve Ballesteros. The two were a potent team in Ryder Cup play for Europe, posting an 11-2-2 mark in their 15 matches together.
"I am particularly happy to follow Seve's footsteps into the Hall of Fame," Olazabal added. "He opened so many doors for us and we owe him a huge debt."
In addition to his Masters titles, Olazabal has four other U.S. PGA Tour wins and 21 European Tour victories. He also won twice in Japan and was a member of seven European Ryder Cup teams.
As an 18-year-old amateur, he bested Colin Montgomerie to win the 1984 British Amateur Championship.
The 2009 World Golf Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida on Monday, November 2.
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Central Florida senior Stephanie Connelly knows that she'll have these days on the golf course.
What was more disappointing for Connelly was that she had one of those days during the second round of the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championships, being held at the par-72, 6,443-yard Caves Valley Golf Course in Owings Mills.
After firing an even-par 72 in the first round and tying for third place, Connelly shot a 2-over par 74 on Wednesday and enters the third round in a tie for sixth place in the field of 126 golfers at 2-over par 146.
"I'm a little disappointed," Connelly said after recording a par on her final hole, the ninth, on Wednesday afternoon. "I hit the ball better today. I had a lot of birdies, but I went up and down at the beginning."
After saving par on the 10th hole, her first of the day, Connelly went bogey, birdie bogey, birdie, bogey on the next five holes and was at plus-1 for the day.
She again saved par on two-straight holes -- the 16th and 17th -- but after a bogey on par-4, 387-yard 18th hole, Connelly made the turn in 2-over par.
"It was some stupid shots, I think I got a little aggressive on a few shots and that cost me a little bit," she explained. "And then I just wasn't making the putts today that I was making yesterday."
Connelly, who played in the morning round on Tuesday, was among the last three golfers on the entire golf course on Wednesday. She made a birdie on the par-5, 492-yard third hole and, combined with seven pars, was able to finish the front with an even-par 36.
"The speed (of the greens) was fine," Connelly said. "They were a little slower and a little bumpier. I was in the last group, so the whole field had been out on them all day. They got a little bumpy but I think there a few I didn't hit quite as solid as I would have liked."
Still, she enters the last two rounds of her collegiate career standing among the top-10 individuals in a field featuring the best teams and players in college golf.
"I still feel good about my game," she said. "I just feel disappointed because I feel like I had a little bit of a better game going today, but I didn't have my putter going. I feel good. I think I'm playing better than that right now, just to be top-10. I think if I focus a little better in the next two days, I can move up."
Connelly, who qualified as an individual after finishing in second place at the NCAA East Regional, continues play on May 21, teeing off on the first hole at 8:20 a.m.
What was more disappointing for Connelly was that she had one of those days during the second round of the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championships, being held at the par-72, 6,443-yard Caves Valley Golf Course in Owings Mills.
After firing an even-par 72 in the first round and tying for third place, Connelly shot a 2-over par 74 on Wednesday and enters the third round in a tie for sixth place in the field of 126 golfers at 2-over par 146.
"I'm a little disappointed," Connelly said after recording a par on her final hole, the ninth, on Wednesday afternoon. "I hit the ball better today. I had a lot of birdies, but I went up and down at the beginning."
After saving par on the 10th hole, her first of the day, Connelly went bogey, birdie bogey, birdie, bogey on the next five holes and was at plus-1 for the day.
She again saved par on two-straight holes -- the 16th and 17th -- but after a bogey on par-4, 387-yard 18th hole, Connelly made the turn in 2-over par.
"It was some stupid shots, I think I got a little aggressive on a few shots and that cost me a little bit," she explained. "And then I just wasn't making the putts today that I was making yesterday."
Connelly, who played in the morning round on Tuesday, was among the last three golfers on the entire golf course on Wednesday. She made a birdie on the par-5, 492-yard third hole and, combined with seven pars, was able to finish the front with an even-par 36.
"The speed (of the greens) was fine," Connelly said. "They were a little slower and a little bumpier. I was in the last group, so the whole field had been out on them all day. They got a little bumpy but I think there a few I didn't hit quite as solid as I would have liked."
Still, she enters the last two rounds of her collegiate career standing among the top-10 individuals in a field featuring the best teams and players in college golf.
"I still feel good about my game," she said. "I just feel disappointed because I feel like I had a little bit of a better game going today, but I didn't have my putter going. I feel good. I think I'm playing better than that right now, just to be top-10. I think if I focus a little better in the next two days, I can move up."
Connelly, who qualified as an individual after finishing in second place at the NCAA East Regional, continues play on May 21, teeing off on the first hole at 8:20 a.m.
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In an instant, golf became secondary for Phil Mickelson.
The world's second-ranked player revealed Wednesday that his wife, Amy, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is expected to undergo "major" surgery, possibly within the next two weeks, according to Mickelson's representatives at Gaylord Sports Management.
As a result, Mickelson has withdrawn from this weekend's HP Byron Nelson Championship and next week's Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, where he is the defending champion.
There is no time set for Mickelson's return to the PGA Tour.
The U.S. Open begins June 18 and will be played at Bethpage Black in New York.
"Elin and I are deeply saddened to hear the news about Amy," Tiger Woods said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her, Phil, the children and the entire Mickelson family."
College sweethearts, Phil and Amy Mickelson were married in 1996 and have three children: Amanda, 9; Sophia, 7, and Evan, 6.
Amy Mickelson is among the most visible wives on the tour, a former Phoenix Suns cheerleader who embraced her husband near the 18th green after his breakthrough win at the 2004 Masters and frequently follows him at tournaments.
Last week, Amy and Phil were photographed at Staples Center for Game 5 of the Houston Rockets-Lakers playoff series.
In 2003, Amy nearly died from complications after giving birth to Evan. Shaken by the trauma, Phil had his worst year on tour, finishing 38th on the money list.
Sarah Strange, a breast cancer survivor and the wife of former Ryder Cup captain Curtis Strange, told the Associated Press that Amy's outgoing personality would be an asset in her recovery.
"She's such an upbeat person, and I think she'll approach this in the same way, moving forward with confidence," Sarah Strange said.
Tour player Scott Verplank told PGATour.com that Mickelson sent him a text message Tuesday night with the news.
"I had a hard time sleeping," Verplank said. "Hopefully, it's early and hopefully they take care of it."
Jack Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara, spent time with the Mickelsons during Nicklaus' four stints as captain of the Presidents Cup team.
"We know that Amy has this amazing inner strength and spirit, and with Phil's unwavering love and support, they will fight and overcome this," Jack Nicklaus said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The world's second-ranked player revealed Wednesday that his wife, Amy, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is expected to undergo "major" surgery, possibly within the next two weeks, according to Mickelson's representatives at Gaylord Sports Management.
As a result, Mickelson has withdrawn from this weekend's HP Byron Nelson Championship and next week's Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, where he is the defending champion.
There is no time set for Mickelson's return to the PGA Tour.
The U.S. Open begins June 18 and will be played at Bethpage Black in New York.
"Elin and I are deeply saddened to hear the news about Amy," Tiger Woods said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her, Phil, the children and the entire Mickelson family."
College sweethearts, Phil and Amy Mickelson were married in 1996 and have three children: Amanda, 9; Sophia, 7, and Evan, 6.
Amy Mickelson is among the most visible wives on the tour, a former Phoenix Suns cheerleader who embraced her husband near the 18th green after his breakthrough win at the 2004 Masters and frequently follows him at tournaments.
Last week, Amy and Phil were photographed at Staples Center for Game 5 of the Houston Rockets-Lakers playoff series.
In 2003, Amy nearly died from complications after giving birth to Evan. Shaken by the trauma, Phil had his worst year on tour, finishing 38th on the money list.
Sarah Strange, a breast cancer survivor and the wife of former Ryder Cup captain Curtis Strange, told the Associated Press that Amy's outgoing personality would be an asset in her recovery.
"She's such an upbeat person, and I think she'll approach this in the same way, moving forward with confidence," Sarah Strange said.
Tour player Scott Verplank told PGATour.com that Mickelson sent him a text message Tuesday night with the news.
"I had a hard time sleeping," Verplank said. "Hopefully, it's early and hopefully they take care of it."
Jack Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara, spent time with the Mickelsons during Nicklaus' four stints as captain of the Presidents Cup team.
"We know that Amy has this amazing inner strength and spirit, and with Phil's unwavering love and support, they will fight and overcome this," Jack Nicklaus said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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2009/04/17
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It was a disappointing end to a great season for the Chattanooga women golf team as it fell to 21st following a final round 320 (+32) at the 2009 NCAA Women Golf Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club.
The Lady Mocs entered with a good deal of optimism after shooting the ninth best round of third day with a 305, but it was a tough one today as UTC finished at 1,248 (+96). Chattanooga topped No. 18 UC Irvine at 1,249, Texas at 1,252 and Ohio State at 1,258.
Emma de Groot had the low round with a four-over par 76. The sophomore from Australia was also the low scorer for the Lady Mocs on the week with a 72-hole total of 304 (+16), which is tied for 44th at the time of this writing.
Maria Salinas is currently tied for 72nd at 310 following today 83. Salinas finished five shots ahead of Moa Duf who is tied for 91st. Duf 81 gave her a total of 315.
Maria Juliana Loza turned in her best round of the tournament with an 80 (+8), the second best for the Lady Mocs on this day. Her four-day total of 333 is tied for 120 and six shots behind teammate Christine Wolf.
Wolf started strong with three pars, but had her struggles off the tee. Her final round 86 moved her to tie for 116 at 327.
This is the first NCAA Finals appearance for the Lady Mocs in just the second year of the program since it was re-started after it was discontinued in the mid-1980.
The Lady Mocs entered with a good deal of optimism after shooting the ninth best round of third day with a 305, but it was a tough one today as UTC finished at 1,248 (+96). Chattanooga topped No. 18 UC Irvine at 1,249, Texas at 1,252 and Ohio State at 1,258.
Emma de Groot had the low round with a four-over par 76. The sophomore from Australia was also the low scorer for the Lady Mocs on the week with a 72-hole total of 304 (+16), which is tied for 44th at the time of this writing.
Maria Salinas is currently tied for 72nd at 310 following today 83. Salinas finished five shots ahead of Moa Duf who is tied for 91st. Duf 81 gave her a total of 315.
Maria Juliana Loza turned in her best round of the tournament with an 80 (+8), the second best for the Lady Mocs on this day. Her four-day total of 333 is tied for 120 and six shots behind teammate Christine Wolf.
Wolf started strong with three pars, but had her struggles off the tee. Her final round 86 moved her to tie for 116 at 327.
This is the first NCAA Finals appearance for the Lady Mocs in just the second year of the program since it was re-started after it was discontinued in the mid-1980.
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Central Florida senior Stephanie Connelly knows that she'll have these days on the golf course.
What was more disappointing for Connelly was that she had one of those days during the second round of the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championships, being held at the par-72, 6,443-yard Caves Valley Golf Course in Owings Mills.
ASU women win NCAA golf championship
The Arizona State women's golf team won the 2009 NCAA championship on Friday afternoon at the Caves Valley Golf Club in Maryland.
It's the Sun Devils first national championship since 1998, and seventh NCAA-recognized title in school history. The Sun Devils' victory was the third consecutive championship to end the season. ASU won the Pac-10 title and the NCAA West Regional championship.
ASU's quintet of Carlota Ciganda, Juliana Murcia, Azahara Munoz, Jennifer Osborn and Jaclyn Sweeney carded a total score of 291 for the second consecutive round to win the title by eight strokes ahead of Pac-10 foes UCLA and 10 shots ahead of third-round leader USC.
Munoz, Ciganda and Murcia each shot an even-par 72 in the final round to lead ASU's comeback. Sweeney and Osborn both fired a 75.
Thanks to consecutive rounds of 72 and a one-under 71, Munoz finished tied for fourth individually with a 293 (+5). Purdue's Maria Hernandez was the overall winner with a one-over-par 289 for the four rounds.
Ciganda and Sweeney tied for 11th place individually with a plus-9 total of 297 for the tournament.
It's the women's golf team's first national title since 1998 and sixth NCAA championship in school history. ASU won its previous five under coach Linda Vollstedt, while this is the first crown won under current coach Melissa Luellen.
What was more disappointing for Connelly was that she had one of those days during the second round of the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championships, being held at the par-72, 6,443-yard Caves Valley Golf Course in Owings Mills.
ASU women win NCAA golf championship
The Arizona State women's golf team won the 2009 NCAA championship on Friday afternoon at the Caves Valley Golf Club in Maryland.
It's the Sun Devils first national championship since 1998, and seventh NCAA-recognized title in school history. The Sun Devils' victory was the third consecutive championship to end the season. ASU won the Pac-10 title and the NCAA West Regional championship.
ASU's quintet of Carlota Ciganda, Juliana Murcia, Azahara Munoz, Jennifer Osborn and Jaclyn Sweeney carded a total score of 291 for the second consecutive round to win the title by eight strokes ahead of Pac-10 foes UCLA and 10 shots ahead of third-round leader USC.
Munoz, Ciganda and Murcia each shot an even-par 72 in the final round to lead ASU's comeback. Sweeney and Osborn both fired a 75.
Thanks to consecutive rounds of 72 and a one-under 71, Munoz finished tied for fourth individually with a 293 (+5). Purdue's Maria Hernandez was the overall winner with a one-over-par 289 for the four rounds.
Ciganda and Sweeney tied for 11th place individually with a plus-9 total of 297 for the tournament.
It's the women's golf team's first national title since 1998 and sixth NCAA championship in school history. ASU won its previous five under coach Linda Vollstedt, while this is the first crown won under current coach Melissa Luellen.
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UFC betting has been an increasing source of interest at online gambling sites, just as the sport has grown exponentially in the US. While boxing continues to frustrate fans with disorganization and political maneuvering, ultimate fighting already draws far better among young adults, and is making inroads on gambling action.
The Ultimate Fighting Challenge series presents event #98 tonight, the light heavyweight champion, is a two-to-one underdog to lose to challenger Lyoto Machida.
:dirol
The Ultimate Fighting Challenge series presents event #98 tonight, the light heavyweight champion, is a two-to-one underdog to lose to challenger Lyoto Machida.
:dirol
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Southern California freshman Jennifer Song shot a 1-under 71 on Thursday to take a two-stroke lead in the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championship and help the Trojans top the team standings.
Song, one of three Southern California players in the top 20, had an even-par 216 total on the Caves Valley course. Purdue's Maria Hernandez (72) and UCLA's Maria Jose Uribe (77) were tied for second at 2-over.
"We are mentally and physically prepared," Song said. "We've been preparing for this event for one year and all of my teammates are really ready and pumped up. We've been having a lot of second places and I think this is our chance to win."
Southern Cal had a 26-over 890 total for a one-stroke lead over top-ranked Arizona State. No. 2 UCLA was three strokes back at 29 over.
"Our overall goal was to improve each day and I know we moved up and are now in first," Southern California coach Andrea Gaston said. "You just have to go out there and play this golf course. If the opportunity for birdies is out there, you have to go get them. We're still going to have to play really great golf tomorrow to win this. We can't just go out and protect this."
Southern California's Belen Mozo (73) and Lizette Salas (75) were tied for 15th at 7-over, and Caroline Kim (79) was tied for 57th at 16-over.
Song, one of three Southern California players in the top 20, had an even-par 216 total on the Caves Valley course. Purdue's Maria Hernandez (72) and UCLA's Maria Jose Uribe (77) were tied for second at 2-over.
"We are mentally and physically prepared," Song said. "We've been preparing for this event for one year and all of my teammates are really ready and pumped up. We've been having a lot of second places and I think this is our chance to win."
Southern Cal had a 26-over 890 total for a one-stroke lead over top-ranked Arizona State. No. 2 UCLA was three strokes back at 29 over.
"Our overall goal was to improve each day and I know we moved up and are now in first," Southern California coach Andrea Gaston said. "You just have to go out there and play this golf course. If the opportunity for birdies is out there, you have to go get them. We're still going to have to play really great golf tomorrow to win this. We can't just go out and protect this."
Southern California's Belen Mozo (73) and Lizette Salas (75) were tied for 15th at 7-over, and Caroline Kim (79) was tied for 57th at 16-over.
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Nine-time defending national champion Methodist University had the best round of the tournament so far, finishing with 310 strokes. The Monarchs are ahead of the rest of the field by nine strokes with a two-day total of 631. UW-Stevens Point is currently in second with 640 while Southwestern University is in third with 645. Both teams finished with 318 strokes today.
Leading on the individual side on the par-72 course is Methodist’s Susan Martin, who won medalist honors a year ago at the Division III championship. Today she finished one under par and is even for the tournament at this point with 144 strokes.
Katie Maurer (Forest Lake, Minn./Convent of the Visitation) golfed the most consistently for the Blugolds as she finished with 82 strokes today. Yesterday she finished with 81 and is now tied for 29th with 163 overall.
Torie Ives (Jr.-Osseo, Wis./Osseo-Fairchild) still leads the Blugolds and is tied for fifth place but she finished with 83 strokes in round two. Ives shot a 72 and was tied for first following the opening round yesterday.
Tied for 24th is Emily Swift (Fr.-Onalaska, Wis.), who has a two-day total of 162. Lauren Gault (Fr.-Shorewood, Wis.) is currently tied for 69th with 172 while Katie Swift (So.-Onalaska, Wis.) is tied for 85th with 176 strokes.
Tomorrow the Blugolds will be back at the PGA Golf Club for the third round of the four-round championship.