Uresti overtakes Day for Lasalle lead
IN: News | Nationwide | LaSalle Bank Open (2007) | Round Two | 02 Jun 2007
Omar Uresti continued his excellent play on the Nationwide Tour on Friday with a season-best 9-under 63, moving into sole possession of the lead at the US$750,000 LaSalle Bank Open.
At 11-under-par 133, Uresti holds a one-stroke advantage over Chez Reavie (63) and a two-shot lead over Tag Ridings (64), John Riegger (65), James Driscoll (66), Nicholas Thompson (67), Jason Day (69) and B.J. Staten (69).
The sub-par round was the latest in a long line of solid performances by Uresti. In fact, he has now posted sub-par scores in 21 out of the last 22 rounds – dating back to the opening round of the Athens Regional Foundation Classic. He is a combined 59-under-par during that stretch.
“Everything is feeling really good right now,” said Uresti, who just missed the course record at The Glen Club by a single stroke. “I’m hitting the ball really solid and making a few more putts. Hopefully my game will continue (like this).”
Uresti credits practice sessions with swing instructor (Butch Liebler) and putting guru (Stan Utley) for his improved play so far this season.
“I’ve been working hard with Butch,” said Uresti. “He has been working on my swing and trying to keep me from moving off the ball – trying to keep me centreed. Stan and I have also been working hard on my putting ever since the Shell Houston Open last year.”
Not only was the putter working for Uresti on Friday – highlighted by a 20-foot birdie on the par-3 17 th hole – but his overall short game was solid. After a 5-wood from 244 yards left him well short of the green on the par-5 18 th hole, Uresti drained a pitch shot from 30 yards for eagle.
“My short game has been there for me this year,” said Uresti, who hit 15 of 18 greens in regulation. “I hit every fairway today and I only had 24 putts. I guess that’s how you get it done.”
The top spot on the leaderboard isn’t unfamiliar territory for the former University of Texas Longhorn. He captured his second career Tour win earlier this year at the Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship – and has now finished inside the top 25 in six straight events and seven of eight this season. Most recently he finished tied for 10th place last week at the Melwood Prince George’s County Open.
“Being in the lead is always nice,” said Uresti, currently No. 4 on the official money list thanks to four top-10 finishes. “I played really well last week and if I’d have made any putts I would have given Paul (Claxton) a run for his money.”
Courtesy – LaSalle Bank Open
