Local stars shine as OccuNet Classic heads into weekend

Friday’s second round of the OccuNet Classic Presented by Amarillo National Bank delivered ideal scoring conditions at Tascosa Golf Club’s La Paloma course. Cooler temperatures and lighter winds allowed players to attack the course, resulting in several impressive performances and compelling storylines as the Korn Ferry Tour event moved toward the weekend.

One of the biggest stories belonged to Amarillo native and PGA Tour veteran Ryan Palmer. After a difficult opening-round 78 effectively ended his chances of making the cut, Palmer rebounded with a much stronger performance, carding a 1-under-par 69. His round included four birdies and two double bogeys, but the highlight came at the finish. Palmer birdied each of the final two holes and received a standing ovation from the hometown crowd as he walked up the 18th fairway. The Amarillo High graduate finished the tournament at 7-over par but left with positive momentum before upcoming events in Europe.

Local fans also had plenty to cheer for thanks to amateur Wyatt Provence. The Randall High graduate and University of New Mexico golfer entered the day several shots outside the projected cut line but delivered one of the most impressive rounds of the afternoon. After an early bogey, Provence responded with a birdie and an eagle in quick succession before adding a crucial birdie on the back nine. A steady finish helped him secure a weekend tee time after posting a 3-under-par 67. Provence’s accomplishment was made even more meaningful when Palmer congratulated him following the round.

At the top of the leaderboard, Chan Kim claimed sole possession of first place at 9-under par. Kim posted a bogey-free 65 highlighted by five birdies and credited recent improvements on the greens for his strong play.

Close behind is Travis Trace, who produced one of the best rounds of the morning. Starting the day at even par, Trace surged into contention with an 8-under-par 62 that featured eight birdies and steady play throughout the round.

The lowest score of the day belonged to Alejandro Ortiz. After struggling late in Thursday’s opening round, Ortiz bounced back in spectacular fashion with a 9-under-par 61. He birdied his first seven holes and added two more late birdies to move into third place at 7-under.

Meanwhile, fan favorite John Daly II thrilled the gallery by recovering from a disappointing professional debut round. Daly fired a 6-under-par 64 with seven birdies, earning his first career cut and giving spectators another reason to be excited heading into the weekend.