Flanagan ready to strike at Henrico
IN: News | Nationwide | Henrico County Open (2007) | Round Three | by Anthony Powter | 29 Apr 2007
Nick Flanagan followed his second round 66 at the Henrico Country Open with a 69, and is one of four players a singe shot behind the leaders moving into the final round. The return to form gives Flanagan another shot of claiming his first Nationwide Tour victory, after narrowly missing at the Price Cuter Charity Championship in 2006.
In his rookie season as a fully exempt player on the Nationwide Tour, Flanagan’s results this year have been varied. Subtle changes to some equipment, as well as an increased focus with working on his short game, appear to be returning benefits for the Novocastrian.
The game is falling back into place and the former US Amateur Champion is regaining the momentum and feel, which over the last few months has been evading him. The timing could not have been better, especially with some bigger Nationwide Tour events carrying larger purses scheduled next month.
At present, he is focusing upon the task at hand, although is looking forward to returning back to Australia on Monday.
“The scores were low out there today. I’m happy with the way it went. My ball striking has improved and I’m starting to hit the ball really well.”
“This week is my last tournament before returning to Australia for a few weeks break. A good result here at Henrico will give me a real boost to come back to the US after the break and play well in the bigger events scheduled in May and June.”
“This season I know a lot more about the courses, having played most of them last year. My caddie Scotty McGuinness has been over here for some three years on the Nationwide and he’s a great asset when I’m out there.”
“I’m now starting to hit it real well knowing the course and where to position the ball out there. It all adds up.”
The final day will sure to be a tussle to secure the championship, with a mixture of seasoned journeyman and rookies all with a chance.
Three players share the lead at 12 under, including Canadian Rookie, Bryn Parry, who is experiencing only his second 4th round in a Nationwide Tour event, having previously devoted his career to being a teaching professional.
In contrast, American journeyman Bob Burns, twice a winner on the Nationwide Tour, as well as a winner on the USPGA Tour shares the lead with fellow American Roland Thatcher.
Matt Kuchar won the event last year at 9 under, after a three hole playoff. Given how packed the leaderboard is moving into the final day, there’s every chance another playoff will be required.
Then again, the Henrico Country Open could produce another maiden victory on the Nationwide Tour; in Nick Flanagan’s case lets hope so.
