Stanley Fires Even Par 71 on Second Day of NCAAs

May 27, 2009

Clemson, SC-Clemson junior All-American Kyle Stanley fired an even par 71 on Wednesday in the second round of the NCAA golf championships at Inverness Golf Club in Toledo, OH. Stanley stood in 21st place when he finished. The second round will not be completed on Wednesday due to inclement weather.

The final round will be held on Thursday as the weather forecast calls for just 30 percent chance of rain. Many players will have to play between 30-36 holes on Thursday, but Stanley will have just 18, the final 18 of his Clemson career. Play was halted for four and a half hours in the middle of Stanley’s round. He played 10 holes before the interruption and eight holes after.

Stanley has had rounds of 72-71 for a 143 total for his 36 holes.

It was a clean second round card for the native of Gig Harbor, WA as he had 15 pars, two birdies and one double bogey. Stanley had his double bogey on the par three 12th hole, his third hole of the day. He hit an eight iron off the tee on the 172 yard hole to a bunker. His second shot was hit short of the green and he two putted after the chip for his only double bogey of the tournament so far.

“‘I hung in there after the double bogey,” said Stanley, who has a 71.15 career average in NCAA national tournament play, the best in Clemson history. “I played two under the rest of the day. I drove the ball a little better, but I have to hit better irons on second shots so I can have a better shot at birdie.”

Stanley birdied the 18th hole for the second straight day when he made a 15-foot putt after a drive with a four iron to the center of the fairway. He also birdied the eighth hole, his 17th of the day when he got up and down out of a greenside bunker on the par five hole.

Stanley is five shots off the lead entering the final round. “I have come back from five shots down before, so it is possible,” continued Stanley. “I will have to play solid that is for sure.”

With the rain delay on Wednesday, Stanley’s tee time is to be determined, but it is expected to be around noon. Fans can follow the results on golfstat.com.

While Stanley strives to win the national championship, something that has been done by just one golfer in Clemson history, Charles Warren in 1997, a top 10 finish would be a landmark accomplishment. He finished second in 2007 and seventh in 2008. No Clemson golfer in history has recorded three top 10 finishes at the NCAA national event.