HURRICANE — A bogey-free, 4-under 68 in the second round of the Copper Rock Championship launched Emma Broze into the outright lead after 36 holes at Copper Rock Golf Course in Hurricane.
The Oklahoma State University alum takes a two-shot lead into today’s final round at 3-under par.
After battling gusting winds on Thursday, conditions turned cold and rainy on Friday.
“I knew it would be tough, so tried to stay dry and keep my cool,” said Broze, who has not surrendered a bogey in 25 consecutive holes. “I had good course management, that was key.”
Broze secured her first professional win last year as an Epson Tour rookie at the Danielle Downey Credit Union Classic. That tournament was shortened to 36 holes due to unplayable course conditions, so this will be a new setting for Broze.
“It’s going to be a great test,” Broze said. “Last year, the tournament I won (in New York) was cut short by two days and I didn’t have the feel of pressure. I think it is going to be exciting to experience that.”
Kim Kaufman, the 18-hole leader, managed to shoot 73 despite a rocky start to her second round. The three-time Epson Tour champion sits at 1-under overall.
“I’m super happy to still be in contention, especially after being 4-over through seven holes,” Kaufman said, who turned in a bogey-free performance the rest of the way with three birdies.
“It was so hard at first and I was just out of sorts. The rain, the wind, the cold, and it’s already a hard walk, so I got to No. 8 and said let’s make good shots. It worked out and even made some birdies, which was great,” she added.
“If it is nice weather tomorrow, then you have to take the mindset of making birdies instead of simply surviving.”
Amelia Garvey and Kiira Riihijarvi each carded a 72 on Friday to join Kaufman in a tie for second.
Laetitia Beck (73) rounds out the top five at 1-over par.
Utah native and tournament sponsor exemption Haley Sturgeon recorded a 4-over 76 to miss out on the weekend, while defending champion Bailey Tardy also exited early after a second-round 75.
A total of 60 players made the cut of 8-over par.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.