Photo by Kasey Hine/NAPGT :: Story By Stacia Golem
September 6, 2007 (Brewster, MA)—Day one’s two man tie for the lead between Justin Goodhue and Matt Torrance escalated into a three-way tie after the second round at Captains. Eli Zackheim joined the two at the top, all having a nine under, 135 for the tournament.
Both Torrance and Goodhue admitted that they did not play as well today, a fact that can be seen on the scorecard—each shot a two under, 70, five shots higher than yesterday’s 65’s.
Torrance said the wind was definitely a factor. “[The wind] was swirling all day so it was tough to get the distances right and hit it close,” he said.
But even with the not so optimal conditions, Torrance was still able to grind it out. “I didn’t give myself too many opportunities, but I took advantage on a couple opportunities that I got,” he said, referring to his four birdies.
Although he shares a spot at the top, Goodhue was not very excited about his play today either.
“I got off to a shaky start. I had a three-putt bogie on the first hole, [and] I felt a little shaky with the putter on the front nine,” he said. “I didn’t score very well compared to how I should have.”
Zackheim said that playing with Goodhue, one of yesterday’s leaders, helped improve his 68 yesterday to a five under, 67 today, and allowed him to jump six spots to tie for the lead.
“[Goodhue] went out there kind of on fire yesterday and it gave me something to chase today,” said Zackheim.
This tenacity on the course by Zackheim made Goodhue pick up his game, and the tête-à-tête continued till the last hole where Goodhue was in the lead by one.
“On 18 [Zackheim] knocked it in tight and I hit it to about ten or twelve feet for eagle,” said Goodhue. “I really wanted to make that one to top him by one but I ended up missing it and he made it.”
Zackheim’s eagle on the last hole allowed him to tie yesterday’s leaders in the clubhouse. This position is one he is thankful for.
“If anything, [Goodhue] probably deserves to be a couple shots better than what we’re both at right now, maybe I deserve to be a couple shots worse” said Zackheim. “But that’s not what the scorecards show.”
Today’s cut fell at par; tee times will start at 7:30 for the 27 players going on to final round.
