Cedar Ridge Shows Teeth in Round 2 as Thom Clings to 2 Shot Lead

by Quetzel Miller III

Cedar City, Utah - The rain-postponed second round of the 2007 I.L.C.R.I.C.C. was able to take place on Wednesday, and many of the players were shown the tough side of the course. Balls were played out of sagebrush, short putts were missed, and the occasional club was seen flying through the air as the competitors made their way through Day 2.

Thom Archibald entered the second round of the tournament with a four shot lead after shooting a stellar 4 under 69 on Monday in Round 1, but Cedar Ridge was not so favorable to this "golfer" today. He nearly squandered his lead on more than one occasion when his mishits put him in dire need of miracles just to save bogey. And the miracles didn't come. He had to eat two triple bogeys and a double during his round, but still managed 5 birdies on his way to a 77, 8 shots worse than Monday's round. His lead was lost a few times in the round but was given back when Jim made near equal mistakes, ending with a 75 himself. Thom now stands at even par for the tournament, while Jim is two back at 2-over par.

"The course sure was tougher today...I don't know what it was. I missed a lot more putts, but am glad to be where I am," Thom told reporters after the round. "I'll try to finish in the red tomorrow, and hope my effort is enough."

Jim had similar feelings after his round, but is eager to play with Thom in the final group so he will know just what is required of him to get back into it.

Meanwhile, Eddie improved upon his score with an 82 today, but could never find the sparks necessary to get into contention.