Despite wet and windy conditions, Jeff Howerton and Mike Bell were both able to fire even par 72s today at The Senior Open held at The Legends GC in Franklin. Howerton and Bell share the lead heading into tomorrow’s final round.
“I played steady and didn’t take big divots,” said Howerton, a pro out of Sultan’s Run GC. “I scrambled well and played steady. Hopefully tomorrow I can keep it around par again.”
Howerton’s round consisted of three birdies coming on the par 4, 4th hole, the par 4, 5th hole, and the par 4, 14th hole. He also had three bogeys on holes 12, 15, and 18.
This is only the second time Howerton has participated in this event.
“It would be fantastic to win,” Howerton said. “There are so many great golfers in the state and it would be quite the feat to finish first in this event.”
Bell, from Indianapolis, was able to card four birdies today coming on the par 5, 2nd hole, the par 5, 10th hole, the par 3, 13th hole, and the par 4, 14th hole. He also had four bogeys on holes 4, 9, 11, and 18.
“I hit every fairway except for one,” Bell said. “I gave myself four birdie chances within six feet and was able to make every one.”
Bell, a former US Senior Amateur Champion, looks for his second title in this event, with his previous win coming in ’99.
“There are so many good players here and it would be great to win,” Bell said. “I hope to make a few lucky putts tomorrow and shoot under par.”
There are 31 players within four shots of the lead. Seven players are one shot behind including: Mike Cline, Dave Carich, Pete DeLongchamp, Marty Rifkin, Terry Werner, Dave Fleming, and Ted Kaperak.