Dale Eggeling backed up a personal-best 63 in the first round with a 3-under-par 69 on Friday and stretched her lead in the LPGA Oldsmobile Classic to three strokes.
Eggeling has a two-round total of 132, 12 under, and leads Elaine Crosby, Kris Tschetter and Joan Pitcock by three strokes. Betsy King is four strokes off the pace.Eggeling, a 19-year LPGA veteran whose only win came in 1980, was excited when she left the Walnut Hills Country Club driving range Friday morning. But her enthusiasm wavered when she finally made it onto the 6,191-yard course.
"It was a strange day," Eggeling said. "On the range, I hit the ball great and I was excited about playing today. When I got out there, my swing didn't feel that good"
After five straight birdies during Thursday's round, Eggeling managed four birdies in five holes Friday. Her 3-under round, however, also included two bogeys.
"I am excited," she said. "I have to just try to keep playing one shot at a time and keep the putter blade going. The course is in great shape and if the weather holds out, there are going to be a lot of low scores."
Crosby, a Birmingham, Mich., native, temporarily led during Friday's second round but then went 1-over on her final nine holes. Ironically, that stretch is usually Crosby's favorite at Walnut Hills.
"Overall the first side was exciting," said Crosby, a two-time winner on the LPGA tour. "That is kind of surprising because the other side I score better on. I started to get lazy with my swing."
Crosby, who played alongside Eggeling on Friday, said she feels like she is playing as well as the current leader.
"I feel like I can continue shooting these kind of scores," Crosby said. "I really hit it well last week, so I'm not surprised I came out here and played well so far. I am happy for (Eggeling). I am glad she played well, but I think I am playing just as well."
Crosby was ahead until Eggeling put together her string of birdies.
"I prefer to play with someone who is playing well and making some putts," Crosby said. "We are good friends. Our goal is to play together on Sunday and see who can win."
The $600,000 Oldsmobile Classic, with a winner's share of $90,000, cut its field to the low 70s and ties following Friday's second round. Play continues through Sunday.