Photo by Kyle Coburn/NAPGT :: Story by Stacia Golem

September 20, 2007 (Lakeville, MA)—Day two at LeBaron Hills didn’t exactly turn out as most would have expected. Some of the low scorers yesterday marked at even or higher, while others that were six spots back on the leaderboard had great rounds today to catapult them to the top.

One golfer that did manage to keep his spot in the lead was Jeff Curl, shooting a 67 today to be at 13 under, 131 for the tournament. But even he was surprised at this result.

“[I played] a little sloppy today. When I got done I actually thought I was gonna be two back,” he said. “I figured [Geoff] Sisk or Eric [Egloff], being such good players….I figured it was out there for the taking today.”

Knowing that it was anybody’s game, Curl fought to keep his score low. “I shot three under on the front and I thought I was gonna shoot another really low round the way I was hitting it,” he said. “But I just struggled for about six holes. I just lost my swing for a little bit. I fought it and came back with two birdies to make my day a little bit better.”

Drew Mayhew is at second with a two-day total of ten under, 134. After yesterday’s fifth place 68 he went out there and shot a 66 today to place him in one of the top spots on the leaderboard, a place that he’s not used to being at.

“The person who’s probably the most surprised that I’m up there is me right now,” he said. “I’ve been playing bad as of late, missing cuts by a lot.”

But by practicing a swing technique he saw a PGA golfer use on TV, as well as by playing more conservatively, he has been able to play more comfortably, and as a result, up his game.

Also shooting a 66 today was Dustin Cone, who is in third with a nine under, 135. Cone, after tying for sixth yesterday, did not get discouraged with how many golfers were above him on the leaderboard.

“I knew that this course, you can go low here either way,” he said. “The greens are pretty good if you hit it in the right spot.”

Tied for fourth at eight under, 136 are Rodney Butcher and Eric Egloff. Egloff, who was tied for the lead yesterday, shot even par after his 64 yesterday. He was admittedly a little more uptight today, as opposed to the calm he felt yesterday. “You know that’s golf though,” he said. “Everyday is different.”

Tee times start tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. for the 26 who made the cut.