Mehaffey bounces back but misses cut in Arizona
Olivia Mehaffey bounced back from an opening 78 with a 69 but missed the cut on three-over-par in the Epson Tour's Carlisle Arizona Women's Golf Classic.
Mexico’s Ingrid Gutierrez Nunez shot 65 and Germany’s Sophie Hausmann a 69 to lead by one stroke on 10-under par from Panama’s Laura Restrepo (66 ), China’s Ruixin Liu (66) and Sweden’s Dani Holmqvist (67).
The cut fell at level par with Mehaffey finishing tied 95th, three shots outside the mark.
The Epson Tour writes:
“I had really good numbers,” said Gutierrez Nunez, who turned 26 on Tuesday. “My caddie and I did a really good job with strategy. One of those days where you just leave it really close. Fortunately, I was calm after each approach and I stayed aggressive the whole round.”
The University of New Mexico alumna carded a 6-under 30 going out and closed her second round with a birdie on the par-5 18th. Even for Gutierrez Nunez, the front nine was a blur.
“I saw the leaderboard, and that made me realize I was doing well,” Gutierrez Nunez said. “Stayed in the present and yeah, at the end, finally. It gives me really good confidence going into the weekend. I mean, anything can happen here. I'm going to do my best and give myself chances.”
While Hausmann surrendered three bogeys on Friday at Longbow Golf Club, she never wavered. A 2021 Epson Tour winner at the IOA Championship presented by Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Hausmann is focused on the weekend in front of her.
“I did make a couple of mistakes, but on the other hand, I put myself in good positions and putted well. Definitely in a good spot. It's great, but we’re only halfway. I really like the golf course. And the goals, I think they’re pretty clear,” Hausmann said with a smile.
Three players are tied for third including the tournament’s defending champion Ruixin Liu, Dani Holmqvist (67) and Laura Restrepo.
“I think there's just a lot of opportunity on this course. There are a few holes I can actually reach in two for an eagle chance. That's one of the big reasons why I have so many birdies and putting was very good today,” said the six-time Epson Tour champion after a second-round 66. “Everything is rolling in. That's why I like the course so much.”
In her last two appearances at Longbow Golf Club, Restrepo was forced to withdraw from the 2020 Founders Tribute and missed the cut in 2021 for the inaugural Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic. She is quickly reversing her fortunes this week in the desert heat following a 66 on Friday.
“Heading into the weekend right in contention, it feels great,” said Restrepo, who recorded two eagles in the second round. “I didn't get off to the greatest start. I was 2-over after four holes but then I started seeing some putts go in and that changed the momentum. Two eagles helped a lot. A very fun round.”
Jaclyn Lee (67) and Haylee Harford (68) are tied for sixth. Four players round out the top 10 in a share of eighth including LPGA Tour member Maria Fassi (69). A total of 68 individuals made the cut of even par.
