The second round of the Portland Classic is seeing low numbers, with Andrea Lee taking the clubhouse lead after a 9-under 63, the current lowest score of the day. With half of the field still to play, it’s anyone’s game, but if today is any indication of what’s to come this weekend, it’ll be an exciting finish.
Epson Tour member, Clariss Guce saw one of the lower rounds of the day, signing for a bogey-free 66. The 34-year-old has spent time on both the LPGA and Epson Tours this year and feels confident teeing it up amongst the best in the world because of her time and experience on the Road to the LPGA. Friday’s low score saw Guce jump from 17th to a share of fourth, putting the California State University, Northridge alumna in a position to chase the leaders on Saturday and Sunday, something she’s familiar with on the Epson Tour.
“Playing on the Epson Tour, it trains you to do very well in shootouts,” said Guce. “I feel like out there if you want to keep up with the leaders, you always have to prepare for a minus-10 up on the board, and it's not surprising when you see that on the board out there. So just making sure that you stay patient, and you get your opportunities when you can get there. And develop that mentality that you have to get another one because somebody else is.”
The Filipino will be playing weekend golf for the first time on the LPGA Tour this season. She played three events, most recently at the Dana Open in July, but unfortunately missed each cut. Now, at Columbia Edgewater Country Club, Guce is feeling confident and comfortable, crediting a new driver that puts her into play and getting paired with a good friend and fellow Epson Tour competitor, Becca Huffer.
“I’m just trying to stick to the process and have a lot of fun out there,” said Guce. “I had a really cool group the first two days because I got to play with a really good friend. Then me and my caddie were just kind of keeping good vibes and making sure that I stay positive out there. Regardless of if I hit a good shot or bad shot, it's just making sure that I have more of a positive mindset out there.”
Another Epson Tour member, Jennifer Chang played her way into the cutline with a 7-under 65, jumping from 96th to T21. Emma Talley and Ingrid Lindblad also join the group of Epson Tour members with low rounds on Saturday, signing for 5-under and 4-under, respectively. Talley sits in 3rd, while Lindblad is in a share of ninth.
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