March 9, 2013
Golfstat Live Scoring
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Stanford trails in second at even-par 576 on Saturday in the second round of the Southern Highlands Collegiate Masters.
Tournament front-runner Patrick Rodgers shot one-over-par 73 after firing three early birdies over the front nine. With a 66 in the opening round, the sophomore heads into the last day at five under.
"The wind on the front nine made a few of the holes accessible," said Rodgers who has a two-stroke lead. "I tried to fight hard on the back but it was playing tough. I just made a few bogeys with quality shots that ended up in the wrong spots. I feel comfortable with my game, and if I can make good decisions tomorrow hopefully I can lead the comeback."
California (285-280), the only team to shoot under par today, went eight under for the lead at 565, 11 strokes ahead of the Cardinal.
There was a battle of the Bay at the Southern Highlands Golf Club. Over the front nine, Stanford managed to lead the tournament a stroke ahead of California. Through the back, however, three California players shot under. The Cardinal (286-290) still produced a solid round at two over for the third low round of the day.
"We're up for tomorrow's competition and on this golf course 11 shots is very attainable," said The Knowles Family Director of Golf Conrad Ray. "To play the final pairing with two great teams is a neat opportunity for our guys and they'll rise to the challenge. They handled themselves well today and had a little bit of a slow finish on a course where the last few holes are pivotal."
Cameron Wilson led the team at 71 after making four consecutive birdies over the front nine. The junior is tied for fourth at 142 after a 71 in the opening round.
"I got some comfortable yardages and hit some precise short irons on holes six through nine," said Wilson. "All of my birdie putts were inside 10 feet."
Senior Andrew Yun (73-74) tied for 23rd at 147, while freshman David Boote (76-72) was not too far behind at 148, tying for 28th. Steve Kearney (83-75), a senior, finished 77th at 158.
The final round resumes on Sunday at 8 a.m. Stanford, paired with California and Alabama, tees off at 9:39 a.m. with nine minutes apart between groups.
"The weather should be better tomorrow, but hole locations will probably be challenging," said Wilson. "My game plan is to be very patient and accepting of all the breaks, good or bad."
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