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
The Southwestern Men's Amateur Golf Championship is a prestigious 72-hole stroke play competition open to top national-level amateurs holding a handicap index of 1.4 or better.
Following the first 36 holes, the field will be cut to the low 36 players and ties.
Player selection is determined by the Southwestern Golf Association (SWGA) Selection Committee, based on:
- Exemptions
- Competitive playing resumes
- National and international rankings
In addition, the SWGA reserves the right to invite amateurs of significant national or international stature, as well as other players of notable achievement, to participate in the championship.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit detailed golf resumes highlighting accomplishments in major amateur tournaments and other competitive events.
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