McCain Extends Lead in Search of Second Minnesota State Open Title

View full size image

 
 
  COON RAPIDS, Minn. – Posting a round of 4-under par 68 for the second consecutive day, professional Andrew McCain extended his lead following the second round of the 101^st Minnesota State Open Saturday at Bunker Hills.
 
The 2015 champion McCain will enter Sunday’s final round with a three-shot advantage over professional Ross Miller and four shots clear of Michael Schmitz, who finished the first 36-holes of play in third place at 4-under par 140.
 
“I got off to a good start, but it was a similar story to yesterday—I did not drive it great,” McCain said after his round Saturday. “It was one of those days I’m okay shooting 4-under, I had a clean card, but you get off to a good start and think you have a chance to shoot something pretty low.
 
“Parring both par-5’s on the back was disappointing and had some nice chances on the last four holes and gave myself some good looks, but wasn’t able to capitalize on anything. I’m happy to be in a position where I have a chance of winning tomorrow. Hopefully if I’m saving my best for tomorrow, we’ll be in good shape.”
 
McCain turned in a nearly flawless scorecard following Friday’s opening round with five birdies against one bogey before rolling in four birdies over his opening nine Saturday. He would finish the second round with nine consecutive pars to cruise to a three-shot lead with 18 holes to play.
 
Carding back-to-back birdies at the second and third holes, McCain jumped to 6-under for the championship before rolling in his birdie look at the par-4 sixth. Turning at 4-under for the round thanks to a birdie at the ninth hole that put him at 8-under for the tournament, McCain cruised over his final nine holes by carding consecutive pars to shoot a second straight round of 68.
 
“Knowing you’ve done it and knowing that you’ve been there before, you can tell yourself that you’re the one that needs to be beaten, so if you go take care of what you need to do, you’ll be all right,” the 2015 champion said of his mindset entering Sunday’s round with a three-shot lead.
 
Posting a round of 1-under par 71 to open the championship Friday, Miller came back with a round of 68 Saturday to climb the leaderboard with 18 holes to play.
 
Despite carding four birdies during his opening nine Saturday, Miller would turn at 2-under thanks to bogeys at the first and seventh holes. Taking a step back with bogey at the par-5 11^th, Miller fell back to 2-under for the championship, but he would finish the second round strong by carding three birdies over his final nine holes to shoot 68 and move into sole possession of second place at 5-under 139.
 
Also posting a round of 4-under par 68 was Schmitz, who played his first 14 holes at 6-under par before cooling late with a pair of bogeys to finish 36 holes of play in third place at 140.
 
The 101^st Minnesota State Open concludes Sunday as the final round is scheduled to begin at 7:50 a.m. at Bunker Hills Golf Club.
 
 
 
THE 101^ST MINNESOTA STATE OPEN
BUNKER HILLS GOLF CLUB
COON RAPIDS, MINN.
7,137 YARDS, PAR 72
 
 
SATURDAY’S SECOND ROUND RESULTS
1. Andrew McCain (p), Dellwood CC, 68-68—136
2. Ross Miller (p), Sundance GC, 71-68—139
3. Michael Schmitz, The Bridges GC, 72-68—140
T4. Ben Greve, Olympic Hills GC, 70-72—142
T4. Andrew Israelson, Vintage at Staples, 73-69—142
T4. Joe Conzemius, Dakota Pines GC, 76-66—142
T4. Jered Gusso, Southern Hills GC, 69-73—142
T4. Eric Chiles (p), Chaska TC, 71-71—142
T4. Travis Ross (p), Minakwa CC, 71-71—142  
T10. Sam Foust, Edina CC, 72-71—143
T10. Eddie Wynne, University GC, 71-72—143
T10. Brady Hanson (p), Stillwater CC, 71-72—143  
T10. Max Tylke, Links at Northfork, 73-70—143
T10. Ben Hauge, Interlachen CC, 69-74—143
T10. Caleb VanArragon, Bunker Hills GC, 70-73—143
T10. Jacob Wherley (p), Thumper Pond GC, 71-72—143  
 
 
For complete tournament results go to:  https://mnpga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/mnpga18/event/mnpga1835/contest/5/leaderboard.htm