A bogey-free, 4-under 68 in the second round of the Copper Rock Championship launched Emma Broze into the outright lead after 36 holes at Copper Rock Golf Course in Hurricane, Utah. The Oklahoma State University alumna takes a two-shot lead into the final round at 3-under par.
After battling gusting winds on Thursday, conditions turned cold and rainy on Friday.
“I knew it would be tough, so tried to stay dry and keep my cool,” said Broze, who has not surrendered a bogey in 25 consecutive holes. “I had good course management, that was key.”
Broze secured her first professional win last year as an Epson Tour rookie at the Danielle Downey Credit Union Classic. That tournament was shortened to 36 holes due to unplayable course conditions, so this will be a new setting for Broze.
“It’s going to be a great test,” Broze said. “Last year, the tournament I won [in New York] was cut short by two days and I didn’t have the feel of pressure. I think it is going to be exciting to experience that.”
Kim Kaufman, the 18-hole leader, managed to shoot 73 despite a rocky start to her second round. The three-time Epson Tour champion sits at 1-under overall.
“I’m super happy to still be in contention, especially after being 4-over through seven holes,” Kaufman said, who turned in a bogey-free performance the rest of the way with three birdies. “It was so hard at first and I was just out of sorts. The rain, the wind, the cold, and it’s already a hard walk, so I got to No. 8 and said let’s make good shots. It worked out and even made some birdies, which was great.
“If it is nice weather tomorrow [like they’re saying], then you have to take the mindset of making birdies instead of simply surviving.”
Amelia Garvey and Kiira Riihijarvi each carded a 72 on Friday to join Kaufman in a tie for second. Laetitia Beck (73) rounds out the top five at 1-over par.
Utah native and tournament sponsor exemption Haley Sturgeon recorded a 4-over 76 to miss out on the weekend, while defending champion Bailey Tardy also exited early after a second-round 75. A total of 60 players made the cut of 8-over par.
QUICK QUOTES
Jaravee Boonchant (+2, T6) on eagle at No. 3 and making her first Epson Tour start:
“I hit a very good tee shot in the fairway and had 142 yards, a little into the wind. I pulled out my 8-iron and hit a little bit of a draw then saw it drop in and I was like, ‘Ok, I’ll take it.’ My distance control was good and being used to the wind helped. I was informed that I got into the field on Tuesday morning and I was still in Thailand, so I flew here and yesterday’s round was my first time seeing the course.”
Gabriela Ruffels (+3, T12) on her 6-under par 66 in the second round:
“I didn’t think I was too far off yesterday and the conditions were a little bit easier today. I didn’t think I could drive the green [on No. 10], but I hit a pretty good drive and perfect line. When I got up there, it was maybe 25 feet and holed the putt. You don’t often eagle, so that was cool. Hopefully the weather is even better tomorrow and I can have another good one.”
Tess Hackworthy (+9, MC) on her hole-in-one at the par-3 4th with a 9-iron from 120 yards:
“I was in between clubs and decided to hit the 9-iron. I had nothing to lose and was looking to just make something happen. It wasn’t the most solid shot I’ve ever hit and it landed just on the front of the green. It must have taken one hop and went in. I definitely heard it but didn’t see it. I was playing with Jessica Welch, and she got there first. She peeked and was like, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s in the hole.’ That was exciting and it started a good run for me with birdie-birdie after that.”
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