EMMA TALLEY ENJOYING HER TIME ON THE EPSON TOUR

Emma Talley finds herself one shot back of the lead entering the final round of the Tullymore Classic after a second round 68.

“I’ve just been really consistent this week and I’ve eliminated the mistakes and that’s really helped me out a lot,” Talley explained.

Talley, who is making just her fourth start on the Epson Tour, has been enjoying the journey thus far.

“The first one was an experience for sure. I almost won it. Jackie (Stoelting) beat me in a playoff and then the next two I was really stressed out because this is pretty intense out here,” Talley admitted. “It’s my job now so I was pretty frazzled but this week has been exciting and I’ve had fun and everyone out here has just been great.”

The reason why Talley has so few starts is that she decided to return to school for her senior season and get her degree from the University of Alabama.

“It meant the world to me,” Talley said of returning to school. “I loved Alabama and I wish it wasn’t over yet. If I had to do it all over again I’d choose Alabama again. I was really happy with my decision. I actually have the diploma on the way so I’ve got a degree and I’ve got four years of college golf in my bag which was really fun and exciting so I’m glad I did it that way.”

While making the transition to professional golf can be difficult, Talley say it has been slightly easier this week with having her mom Jennifer on the bag.

“This is her second event ever to caddie so it’s pretty exciting,” Talley said with a smile. ”Last week was her first and she keeps me calm and has been a great caddie so far. I’m just going to play it shot by shot, have fun with my mom and see what happens.”

CARLEIGH SILVERS IN THE MIX AT TULLYMORE FOR A SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR

Carleigh Silvers fired a second round 66 on moving day to jump from T21 into fourth.

“I hit a lot of greens today so that helped,” Silvers said. “I gave myself a ton of birdie opportunities today and I was just able to capitalize on them. It definitely helped that I almost holed out for eagle on the first hole and had a tap in and then chipped in on another hole. Those are always nice to have. I just have a lot of good memories out here from last year. I like this course and I feel good.”

Silvers found herself near the top of the leaderboard last year at the Tullymore Classic after first and second round 67s but faded late on Sunday with a 73 to finish T13.

“I played well on the front last year and when I made the turn I kind of fell back a little bit and then I thought I started playing conservative and got a little scared,” Silvers admitted. “It wasn’t that I was super nervous or anything. I just got some adrenaline in me and got too excited. I feel like I’ve learned a lot from that. Just to remember to breath, relax and have fun. One shot at a time and don’t start looking ahead. That was definitely a learning experience.”

The Martinsville, Ind., native has some local knowledge on the bag this week in Scott Williams, a Michigan State Trooper who is the son of Tullymore COO Don Williams.

“I have a great caddie this week. It was a guy who was in my pro-am actually. He’s really good on the bag. He’s so positive and he talks to me about other stuff besides golf so it keeps my mind off of golf and what’s going on so that’s always helpful.”

Williams drew the bag after volunteering during the Thursday pro-am.

“His dad asked me if I have a caddie and I was like “No, I’m just pushing and I can’t afford a caddie” and he was like “ok” and then a couple of holes later his son, who’s caddying for me, said “I heard you don’t have a caddie, do you want me to caddie?” I said “Are you asking as a volunteer?” and he said “Yeah” so it’s been great. He played in college so he knows about the game.”

Another added bonus of having Williams on the bag for Silvers has been the support that she’s received from the whole family.

“They’re great people and very involved with the tournament,” Silvers said. “His mom has been out here watching and his brother so it’s nice that I’ve got a little family for the week.”

LOCAL TIES SCORES/FINAL ROUND TEE TIMES

Allyson Geer – 142 (-2)/10:40 a.m.
Gabrielle Shipley – 148 (+4)/MC
Laura Kueny – WD prior to opening round
Samantha Troyanovich – 143 (-1)/9:50 a.m.
Caroline Powers – 144 (E)/9:20 a.m.
Christine Meier – 153 (+9)/MC
Allyssa Ferrell – 140 (-4)/12:00 p.m.

Tullymore Classic Round 2 News & Notes

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