Kevin Marsh
CARMEL, Calif. (October 25, 2013) - Defending
champion Kevin Marsh made a statement
Friday
afternoon at The Preserve GC.
The defending three-time Stocker Cup
champion
posted a second-round 6-under 66 to take a
two-
shot lead into tomorrow's final round. The 40-
year-old went out with a five-under 31 that
severely threatened Dave Nelson's course
record
of 65. But two back-nine bogeys (10 and 13)
kept that record safe, at least for another day.
"The weather was perfect today, and other
than
a bad shot where I went for 13 in two and
didn't
make it, I played pretty well," Marsh said.
"This
course fits my eye and I love driving it here. I
always feels comfortable." Marsh is seeking
to
become the all-time leader in Stocker Cup
wins
with four. A victory would also represent his
fourth win in five years.
First-round co-leader John Sawin posted a 71
to
go 3-under for the championship. That score
placed him second and earned a spot in the
last
group in tomorrow's final round. The San
Francisco GC member has won the Merion GC
club championship numerous times.
Playing in the same group with Marsh was one
of
the other former Stocker Cup champions in
the
field, Joe Sanders. The Incline Village resident
opened yesterday with an even par 72, but
followed in the second round with a strong
two-
under 70. "I felt like I got lapped," the 39-year
old said regarding his pairing with Marsh. "But
I
do need to convert more. I gave myself
chances."
Tied with Sanders in third place is 57-year-old
Brady Exber who carded a consecutive 71
despite a lost ball. Exber leads the race for
the
Tatum Trophy, for competitors aged 50 and
older. Exber and Sanders are three back.
Brian Harris of Carmel, Indiana is in fifth
place.
The six-time U.S. Mid-Amateur participant is
one
under for the championship.
The other first-round co-leaders, Jim Lehman
and Ryan Abbate, were unable to maintain
their
momentum generated in the first round.
In the Ruth Stocker Barry Flight, first-round
leader Mike Machette posted 31 points in the
modified Stableford format to lead Matt
Pingatore by three points in the gross flight.
Erik
Stocker, Mark Flynn and John Nichols are four
back. Machette also leads the net flight by two
over Kevin McQuillan and Steve Hoffman, both
of the host Preserve GC.
The championship concludes with the final
round
tomorrow.
View results for Stocker Cup 2013 Invitational
ABOUT THE
Stocker Cup 2013 Invitational
This event is dedicated to the memory of
Peter
C. Stocker, a prominent west coast
real estate developer and avid amateur golfer
who perished in a tragic helicopter
accident in 1990.
A 54 hole team competition, including friends
of Peter Stocker, runs concurrently.
--
Players with National golf resumes may
request
an invitation at: www.stockercup.com.
View Complete Tournament Information