REUTERS: Local favourite Rafael Campos rode the support of
another enthusiastic gallery to maintain a one-shot lead over George
McNeill after the second round at the Puerto Rico Open on Friday.
Campos, trying to become the first Puerto Rican since Chi
Chi Rodriguez in 1979 to win on the PGA Tour, could not emulate his
opening 64, but did enough to post a nine-under 135 midway total.
American McNeill was alone on eight-under, with Englishman Ian Poulter (66) among a group two shots off the pace.
"It really does feel great to be in this position," said Campos, who plays primarily on the secondary Buy.Com circuit.
"Ironically enough I feel really relaxed out there. I’m not
thinking of my swing, not thinking of the problems out there. I’m
actually enjoying it.
"It’s great having so much support. We’re trying to (make) golf here well known, so it’s great to be playing well."
Second-placed McNeill was not exactly jumping with joy after
a round that included birdies at the first three holes, but none
thereafter.
"Overall I guess it was a decent day," he said. "I would have liked a few more birdies.
"The wind's blowing, it's tricky, the greens aren't very
fast and this afternoon they didn't putt as good as yesterday morning,
with a lot of traffic on them. I guess that's what I get to look forward
to tomorrow."
Poulter, meanwhile, jumped up the leaderboard in his first
appearance in the event thanks to birdies at the first three holes and
three in a row to close the round.
"It was a par sandwich with three birdies at the beginning
and three birdies at the end," said Poulter, who failed by one world
ranking position to qualify for the WGC-Dell Match Play being held
concurrently in Texas.
(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina)
- Reuters
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