Kevin Dougherty
MARANA, Ariz. (June 13, 2012) -- Kevin Dougherty of Murrieta, California, a junior-to-be at Oklahoma State University, takes control of the 97th Annual Southwestern Amateur Golf Tournament by firing a 66 (-6) at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain, Marana, Arizona. This follows a 69 (-3) to bring him to the halfway point score of 135 (-9). He has been taking advantage of the par 5's with eagles on two of them in today's round.
On advice from PGA friends Ricky Fowler and Tom Pernice Jr and a good caddy, his brother, Kevin said,
"I just tried to keep everything in front of me by limiting the use of the driver and keeping the ball in the fairways. After the eagle at No. 2 I was patient for the rest of the front nine and then I made some putts on the back nine."
Indeed, he went birdie, eagle, birdie to start the back nine and finished with a 31 (-5).
"I had a good feeling starting the day. I got it to five under yesterday and let it slip a little bit, but I drove it well and I was confident for today" he added.
Tied for second place three shots back at 138 (-6) are Jarred Bossio from Olympia, Washington, Michael Davan from Hoopeston, Illinois and Tucson's own Dylan Healy.
From the starting field of 130 including players from 33 states, Mexico and Australia, the field was cut to 65 players finishing with a 36-hole total of 149 (+5) or less representing the low 60 scores and ties. Local players Dylan Kornberg (-1) and George Cunningham (+1) made the cut.
Round 3 of the 72-hole event starts on Thursday, June 14 at 7:00am. The leaders tee off at 8:40am.
ABOUT THE
Southwestern Amateur
72-hole stroke play championship for national-level
amateurs with a handicap index of
1.4 or better. After 36 holes, the field will be
cut to the low 36 and ties. The
SWGA Selection Committee will select players
to
compete based upon
exemptions, playing resume and rankings.
The SWGA reserves the right to invite
amateurs of national and international
reputation, as well as other amateurs "of
note", to enter into the tournament.
Applicants are urged to submit their entries
with golf resumes of accomplishment in
major tournaments and other competitive
record
information.
View Complete Tournament Information