Las Vegas, Nevada (June 26, 2010)–The eagle landed twice for Las Vegas golfer Bill Lunde, but he was just one of several PGA Tour players with strong ties to Las Vegas golf courses going low at the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship. Lunde entered the third round in a tie for 3rd after rounds of 68 and 63. The second round feeatured two eagles. Other Las Vegas golfers in the mix included Chris Riley, Rickie Fowler, Alex Prugh, and Chad Campbell, aong others.–Staff report.
"On this golf course on the Back 9 you have some opportunities to make some eagles and make a lot of birdies, like I said, it's nice to get off to a quick start," said Lunde, who attended UNLV and still lives in Las Vegas, just down the street from Charley Hoffman, who also made the cut. "So kind of kept the momentum going for the round. The first (eagle) was a par-5, drove it right on the green and probably made a 20-footer, maybe a little more, kind of straight up the hill. And then 15, drove it just left pin high of the green, which actually was perfect, straight uphill to the pin and was close enough to chip it in. So like I said, it was a great start to the round."
The Las Vegas Golf Region is the home to more than 30 tour pros on the major tours who have strong ties to Las Vegas golf courses. Also, the Las Vegas area is home to some terrific golf courses including Legacy Golf Club, 18 holse of Arthur Hills golf featuring one of the most notable golf holes in Las Vegas. The par 3, 10th hole is built with the tee boxes in the shape of each suit in a deck of cards. Click for the official website of Legacy. Legacy Golf Club is an OB Sports property, as is Angel Park Golf Club, dubed the World's Most Complete Golf Experience. Click for the official website of Angel Park.
Fowler, originally from Southern California but who now owns a home in Las Vegas, fired a 65 on Friday. Fowler has become one of the young superstars on the PGA Tour but is still looking for his first victory. Fowler was seen on NBC during the US Open weekend serving as the caddie for Mark Wahlberg while he played in the US Open Challenge. But Fowler was unable to qualify for the Open. Fowler is also becoming well known for his outgoing nature, whether it be with other pros or caddies. "I had a lot of fun with those guys and their caddies as well," said Fowler. "Great guys, and I think we all kind of fed off each other today. They played a little bit better than I did yesterday, and it was nice to get the three of us playing decent today and make some birdies; and hopefully we can go on and play well this weekend." Fowler played with veterans Jay Williamson and Scott McCarron.
Justin Rose had the lead heading into the third round. "I think my feel is good right now," said Rose. "So when I have a decent look, I'm getting it in with my feel pretty close, but there's still a couple things that hopefully I can keep clicking and getting better as the weekend goes on. That doesn't necessarily mean score wise, just hopefully I can just keep thinking good. You know, I feel like my mid to long irons could be a little bit better, but luckily you don't need a lot of those around this golf course. That's the good news." Quotes from ASAPSports.com the official stenographer of the PGA Tour.