Mayakoba Classic Day Two

The Mayakoba Classic continued play on Friday in Mexico. The full-field event is played opposite the Accenture World Match, offering rookies and veterans the chance to make a good paycheck. The EL Camaleon Golf Club is a par 70 6,923 yard scenic golf course with great views of the Gulf of Mexico, designed by Greg Norman. On Friday the EL Camaleon didn’t appear so pretty as the pros struggled with the heavy winds and fast greens resulting in high scores.

Thankfully Norman, who shot 79, finished his round before the telecast started, thus sparing us viewers the painful task of watching the Great White Shark miss the cut. Though we did get to see tennis queen Chrissy Evert dutifully following her man around as he could barely make a par today.

The lead again belonged to 25 year-old John Merrick, who hails from Long Beach California and played his college golf at U.C.L.A. Merrick turned in a 68, followed by winless veteran Brian Gay who carded a 67. Gay, who attended University of Florida- a team that included P.G.A. Tour veterans Chris DiMarco and Pat Bates, is best remembered for incurring a two stroke penalty on the 71st hole at the Honda and finished second.

Australian David Lutterus turned in a 1-under round for third place, followed by rising sophomore Steve Marino shot 1-under and has already banked $330,616, good for 38th on the money list. Nice to see old stalwarts Nick Price and Larry Mize playing well too. The duo of major championship winners were at 2-under par and 1-under respectively. The quartet I mentioned yesterday: John Huston, Lee Janzen, Andrew Magee, Mark Brooks; all missed the cut except for Brooks, who turned in a 1-over 71.

I always like to see Corey Pavin play well, he had a third place finish at the Northern Trust Open. Still using that ancient Accushnet bladed putter, Pavin, who won in Milwaukee 2 years ago, is in 24th place. Tom Byrum, Carlos Franco, Bubba Watson and Jim Gallagher Jr. will all have the weekend off. I wonder if you work on your game over the weekend or just hang out in Cabo and eat and drink yourself silly? Okay kids, I will be back tomorrow with more analysis, speculations and a recap of moving day.

-Andrew