2006 PGA National Minority Collegiate Golf Championship
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- After two days of play, Kyle Tudi of the University of Texas-Pan American, Wilbert Lynn of Jackson State University and Phillip Watkins of Tennessee State University sit atop the Division I individual standings of the 20th PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship with 36-hole total of even-par 144 at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Tudi started Saturday alone in first place, while Lynn and Watkins jumped up from third place and a tie for 14th place, respectively.
"My approach shots into the greens were difficult due to the strong winds, but my putter came through for me as I made a few bombs," said Wilbert, a freshman from Baltimore, Md., who recorded a 1-under-par 71 Saturday. "I had a hard time getting the ball close to the pin all day, but I am pleased with my round and it feels good being in a tie for first place going into the final round."
The University of Texas-Pan American, in Edinburg, remains in first place in Division I, 10 strokes ahead of Bethune-Cookman College of Daytona Beach, Fla., and 17 strokes ahead of Jackson (Miss.) State University.
In Division II, Fayetteville (N.C.) State University remains atop the leader board, eight strokes ahead of Lincoln University of Jefferson City, Mo., and 30 strokes ahead of Morehouse College of Atlanta, Ga., which was in second place after round one.
Freshman Derek Scott of Fayetteville State moved into first place in the Division II individual standings with a two-day total of 9-over-par 153, one stroke ahead of teammate and first-round leader Ian Milne.
In the NAIA Division, Johnson & Wales University of North Miami, Fla., the only team participating in the newly formed division, carded an impressive team total of 7-under-par 281 for a two-day total of 11-under-par 565, with the strong play of senior James Renner of Plainville, Me.
"I birdied my first three holes and made the turn at 5-under-par 31," said Renner, who finished in a tie for second place in 2005. "I had a simple up-and-down on No. 11, but I missed the chip and made bogey. The rest of the back nine was interesting as I made two birdies, three bogeys and an eagle on No. 13."
In the Women's Division, Bethune-Cookman carded a second-round team total of 28-over-par 316 to remain in the lead over the Texas-Pan American by seven strokes.
Fern Grimshaw of Bethune-Cookman recorded the low round for women with an even-par 72.
"I hit my wedges much more accurately today, which set up tap-in birdies that are always good," said Grimshaw, a freshman from Dorset, England, who is majoring in Physical Education.
Seniors Rick Stewart and Hae Young Lee, both PGA Professional Golf Management (PGM) majors at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, share the lead at 5-over-par 149 in the Men's Independent Division.
"I definitely hit my driver and 3-wood much better off the tee today and hit 13 fairways in regulation," said Stewart, winner of three events on the PGA PGM Tour. "I missed a short putt on No. 18 to end the round with a bogey, but am optimistic about the final round tomorrow."
Freshman Deztany O've Jackson of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., recipient of a $1,000 State Farm/PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Scholarship, extended her lead in the Women's Independent Division by 33 strokes over Ryen Williams of Alabama A&M University.
Approximately 125 contestants from 28 colleges and universities, representing 14 countries comprise the field for the 20th PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship. The Championship concludes after the third round on Sunday. State Farm Insurance and The Golf Channel have combined to produce a one-hour Championship highlight program, which will air on July 6, 2006, at 6 p.m. EDT.
Celebrating its 90th anniversary, The PGA of America was founded in 1916, and is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf, while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The Association is comprised of more than 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals who are dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.
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