Kelly, Toms poised to break through again

Mike Dudurich

Posted 2009-04-24

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans has gained something of a reputation as a haven for first-time winners on the PGA Tour but a couple of the Tour's likeable veterans are making noises like that may not happen this year.

Through two rounds, Jerry Kelly (leader at 10-under) and David Toms (two shots back at 8-under) are the dominant names on the board. In between are Troy Matteson and Charlie Hoffman at 9-under.

Thus far, what's played out over the TPC of Louisiana, is another step back from injuries for a pair of players who definitely fall into the "nice guy" category on Tour.

Kelly has battled assorted injuries over the last several years and hasn't won since 2002. But he's already registered a pair of top-10 finishes this year and remains a bit hopeful.

"My game hasn't been there for a while," he said. "The timing of my game hasn't been there. I felt like my game was there. But I haven't put anything together. I chipped well, putted well, drove the ball pretty good, and my iron shots were pretty good. So things are coming together, it's gelling."

Kelly put up rounds of 68-66 and knows he has himself in great position.

"I've put myself in this position a decent amount of times. I just, I haven't been comfortable enough with my game to be comfortable in this situation," Kelly said. "I feel a little more comfortable about my game, now let's see how comfortable I can be in this position."

The story is not all that dissimilar for Toms, who for many years was a top-25 player, but is now trying to figure a way back into the top 150.

"It feels good to be healthy again," said Toms, who sat out last year's event because of injury. "If I can keep it up on the weekend, get some more people out here and get them behind me, I'll have a chance."

Toms' has been the picture of consistency thus far, posting a pair of 68s. He's pleased about that obviously, but he's really pleased with how well he's actually playing this course.

"In the past, I haven't played well here," Toms admitted. "I haven't had a chance of going into the weekend or anything, not in contention at all. So just play the golf course better and I know I can score on it, so I just need to go out and do it.

Being a Louisiana native and graduate of LSU, Toms loves being the crowd favorite.

"You know what, I would love to be able to play great tomorrow and have a chance on Sunday," he said. "I think it will bring some people on out here. Any time you can get people out supporting the event, you know, it's a great thing. Obviously I'd like to be part of that."

He won this event in 2001 before it moved to its current location and in two tries here, he's missed the cut and finished in a tie for 44th.

But that doesn't mean he doesn't enjoy the love he feels from the fans who show up in his gallery every year.

"I mean, it's great," he said. "It's just this event is always pretty special to me, because they're always around and pulling for me. I don't get that very often during the year. So I guess it's a lot like Tiger or Phil or guys like that that have a big following. It's nice.

That's important, when you're playing well and they're rooting you on and you can feel it, I hope to play well for them this week."

Another notable item from the event was that defending champion Andres Romero, was disqualified after the first two rounds for signing an incorrect scorecard. Romero shot what he thought was a 3-over-par 75 Friday, getting him to 5-over for two rounds.

He’d have missed the cut anyway with that total.

The young Argentinean told officials at the scorers’ table he made a five at the par five 18th. But the 2008 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year didn’t remember a one-stroke penalty he received for hitting his tee shot into the water.

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About Mike...
As a sports writer for over 35 years, Mike Dudurich has seen a lot of great things, covered spectacular events, but his passion is, and has been golf. He recently ended a 29-year career at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and will now be a frequent contributor on GolfGearReview.com. Mike hosts a weekly golf radio show on 1250 ESPN in Pittsburgh from the beginning of April through the end of August. The show airs Saturdays from 8-9 a.m. and can be heard online at http://stations.espn.go.com/stations/espnradio1250/show?showId=insidepghgolf - Listen to Mike Here!.

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