Tucson Open Second Round:
How Low Can You Go?

By Scott Behmer,
Senior Writer

Tucson, Az - On the PGA Tour, Friday is known as cut day. But for this week it could be renamed scoring day. With nearly two-thirds of the field breaking par and 13 players shooting 66 or better, it was a virtual birdie bonanza out there. By days end, Tom Scherrer, who shot an opening 65, had continued his stellar play with a 66, giving him a two-stroke lead over Tom Byrum and Mike Springer.

The Leader: When Tom Scherrer thinks of the Tucson Open, fond memories come to mind. He said, "I made my first cut here as a PGA Tour member, so I've got a lot of nice things (to remember)." Tom's second round lead at 13-under was aided by two eagles, one Thursday on the par 5 #2 and one Friday on the par 5 #10.

Ironically, Tom thought his drive was in the water. "I hit my drive too far left and I thought I was in the water. I went to pick up my tee and look for the splash and never saw it...It saved me at least a shot. I hit a four-iron to about four-feet and made birdie."

Quote of the Day: When asked about leading a tournament for the first time, Tom replied, "I'm 29, almost 30. I've got a baby boy. I'm past getting nervous about that stuff. I need to put some money in his college fund."

The Pack: Former University of Arizona golfer Mike Springer and Tom Byrum share second place at 11-under. Byrum's second round 65 was aided by six birdies in a row, the longest streak on Tour this year. The U of A trend continues with former Wildcat star and Tour hopeful Ted Purdy at 10-under along with Phoenix native Jim Carter. The round of the day, though, was turned in by Larry Mize in the difficult afternoon conditions. He tied the low score of the tournament with a 65, leaving him six off the pace. But it helped to make up for Thursday's 73.

• Preview: Touchstone Energy Tucson Open • Archived coverage of the Tucson Open • Past articles by Scott Behmer

The Walrus' Woes: 1982 Tucson Open champion Craig Stadler returned to Tucson after more than a decade absence with hopes of retaining his past prominence on Tour. After an opening 69, Stadler was within striking distance. But after bogies on #11 and #13 it was clear he wasn't prepared to contend. He finished with a 75 and missed the cut.

But the worst part of his play was his behavior. His cursing and club slamming became a distraction to playing partners Steve Jones and Gabriel Hjertstedt and an insult to the tournament.

Always loved for wearing his emotions on his sleeve, it was just accepted that if Craig would hit a bad shot, he'd throw the club and move on. Not today. Instead, he'd throw his club, storm off the green before his partners finished the hole, yell at himself, walk across the tee box during their preshot routines and numerous times grunt obscenities even with children easily within earshot. If that's the new Craig Stadler then maybe Tucson is better off without him.

Parting Shot: In the second round, the players took advantage of the receptive greens which are rolling perfectly. Look for low scores on the weekend and beware of Mike Springer, who said, "I won Milwaukee in '94 playing just like I'm playing. I mean, I hit it terrible and putted the eyes out of it."