Jamie Lovemark slogged his way around the TPC Louisiana for 27 holes Friday and by the time he finished, he was 11-under par and sharing the 36-hole lead at the Zurich Classic.
Lovemark finished his first round early and put up 67 then went right back out and fired a 66 to share the top spot with Jhonny Vegas. Vegas opened with 64 and struggled at time during the second round but managed to shoot 69.
Lovemark has been nibbling at leads often this season but hasn’t found the right combination for weekend play. He’s still looking for his first win but is knocking on the door. “Most everything’s been pretty decent,” Lovemark said of his game, overall. “Keep making some birds and just keep doing what I’m doing,” was his plan for the final 36 holes.
Lovemark came to the tour out of Southern Cal, the former NCAA individual champion was touted to be the next big thing but has struggled to find his way but he’s getting closer.
Vegas is trying to regain his exempt status on the PGA Tour. He’s playing when he can on his past-champion status.
Brian Stuard, who shot 64 along with Vegas, will have a chance to join or pass the leaders when he resumes play on Saturday morning. He’s two-under through 12 holes and 10-under overall.
Once again, darkness set in and a lot of the field will be out on Saturday. One big name who may not be around for the weekend is defending champion Justin Rose. He’s in at even par 144 and at the end of play on Friday, the cut was projected at two-under par.
There is shaky news regarding the weather reports. Saturday should be fine for finishing the second round and starting the third but the forecast for Sunday is not good.
