With a 9-under-par, 63 during round two of the Indiana PGA
National Car Rental Assistant Championship, Benjamin Engle grabbed a 4-shot
lead over Defending Champion Michael Asbell and John Dalcorobbo. Engle posted a 1-over-par, 73 during the
opening round for a 36-hole total of 8-under-par, 136.
“I had seven birdies and an eagle on the par-5, 2nd,”
said Engle, an Assistant Professional at Woodstock Club in Indianapolis. “I hit it down into the bowl on the right and
pitched in from 35 yards for a three.”
Engle looks for his first Indiana Section PGA win tomorrow,
as well as a chance to qualify for the 38th National Car Rental PGA Assistant
Championship.
“I hit my driver really well all day and I hope to do the
same tomorrow,” Engle said. “Michael
(Asbell) and John (Dalcorobbo) are both really good players, as they have shown
throughout the year. I will definitely
have to play some good golf tomorrow to win this event.”
Asbell got off to a rough start this morning posting a
3-over-par, 75 to fall eight shots out of the lead, but bounced back this
afternoon with a 7-under-par, 65 to get back in contention.
“I hit the ball well all day, but my putting let me down this
morning,” said Asbell of The Sagamore Club.
“I lipped out about eight putts during the first round so I made a
slight grip adjustment this afternoon and got the ball rolling on line and made
a lot of putts. I’ve done the work I
needed to do this afternoon and I’m pretty confident I can take care of what
needs to be done to qualify for the national championship.”
John Dalcorobbo, an Assistant Professional at Brickyard
Crossing, also posted a 36-hole total of 4-under-par, 140 for a share of second
with Asbell. Dalcorobbo looks for his
second win in a section Assistant Championship, with a previous win coming in ’93
in Illinois.
“It helps to know the course, especially when it comes to
pin positions and knowing good places to miss around the greens,” Dalcorobbo
said. “I hit all 18 greens this
afternoon and kept the ball out of trouble off the tee. 12-under-par was my tournament goal, so I still
have work cut out for me. I’m definitely
in contention and I hope I am able to hang in there.”
25 Assistant Professionals are looking to advance to the
38th National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship, but only two players will
qualify. The national event will be held
October 30-November 2, at PGA Golf Club, Wanamaker Course, in Port St. Lucie,
Fla.