LA QUINTA, Calif. – Chris Epperson shot a 9-under 63 on Friday on PGA West’s Nicklaus Tournament Course to take a four-stroke lead after the second round of the Web.com Tour Qualifying Tournament.
The 31-year-old Epperson, from Hilton Head Island, S.C., had a 16-under 128 total.
The players are competing for positions in the Web.com Tour’s priority ranking used to form tournament fields, with the medalist (or co-medalists) guaranteed fully exempt status. Every player who is at PGA West is guaranteed a spot on the Web.com Tour next season. The six-round tournament will end Tuesday.
''We’ve still got a lot of golf left,’' Epperson said. ''I’m not going to get ahead of myself. ... Everything seems to be clicking. My tempo is nice. I really didn’t have any expectations. The goal was to get a card. I’m trying to approach it as any other tournament. My coach and I have been working on our process - ‘Get your yardage, get your club, focus on your target and just hit it.’''
Steve Saunders and Nathan Tyler were tied for second. Saunders had a 65, and Tyler shot 66 - both on the Nicklaus course. First-round leader Justin Shin of Canada followed his opening 64 on the Nicklaus course with a 74 on the Stadium layout to drop into a tie for 25th at 6 under.
