CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK CLASSIC
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tadd Fujikawa, 16, entered today's second round of the Children's Miracle Network Classic in Orlando, Fla., tied for 72nd in his bid to make his first cut as a professional.
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Local pros start strong
Fujikawa and McLachlin have a chance to reach their goals
Tadd Fujikawa is trying to make his first cut as a professional and Parker McLachlin is attempting to survive the most important cut of his rookie career.
Both Hawaii golfers took a big step toward their respective goals as playing partners in yesterday's opening round of the Children's Miracle Network Classic in Orlando, Fla. It is the final PGA Tour event of the year.
McLachlin opened with a 4-under 68 on the Palm course to find himself in a tie for 13th. In his 28th tour event of the season, the Punahou School graduate needs to move up 11 spots on the money list to keep his tour card. He would likely need at least a top-five finish to avoid going back to Q-school next month.
McLachlin posted six birdies and two bogeys, and seemed a calming influence for his 16-year-old playing partner from Moanalua High. Fujikawa managed three consecutive birdies early in his round, but had a couple of three-putts slow him down on his back nine. Like McLachlin, he had six birdies, but he also had five bogeys to keep him from a round in the 60s.
"It was a roller coaster out there," he said.
Both golfers will play the Magnolia course today. It's likely Fujikawa will need a round of 70 or better to have a good shot at making the cut. He began the day tied for 72nd. The top 70 golfers and ties will play through to the weekend.
McLachlin will likely make his 13th cut of the year, but it's being among the top 125 golfers on the money list that motivates the UCLA product most. He enters the event No. 136 on the money list with $597,557. Ted Purdy, who opened with a 2-under 70, is No. 125 with $758,734.