Demsey leads McKenzie in Chattanooga
BY Bruce Young | Nationwide Tour | 2009 Chattanooga Classic | Round Two | 10 Oct 2009
Todd Demsey might not have capitalised on his amazing start in round two of the Nationwide Tour’s Chattanooga Classic but at the end of 36 holes he leads by three over Victorian golfer David McKenzie, Americans Kyle Reifer and Josh Teater and Canadian Chris Baryla.
Demsey jumped out of the blocks with three birdies and an eagle in his first six holes today and at that point appeared likely to open up a huge lead. His opening round of 64 had given him a share of the lead but after his fast start today he could only manage two birdies and two bogeys over his next twelve holes. He leads by three but it was a round in which he could well have taken this tournament by the scruff of the neck.
Demsey has really struggled on both the Nationwide and PGA Tours in recent years and in fact has missed six of his last nine cuts this season including his last three so this is a significant turnaround for the 37 year old.
McKenzie is currently 46th on the money list and perhaps needs another US$60,000 to be assured of a return to the PGA Tour in 2010. A win here would give him that, in fact a runner up finish and the accompanying US$54,000 would get him within striking distance.
Of the other Australasians, Scott Gardiner and Cameron Percy are in 20th position, Steve Bowditch and Adam Bland 32nd, Gavin Coles 43rd and New Zealander Bradley Iles 53rd.
