ARVIDSSON USED TO PLAYING IN WIND AT TEXAS TECH

Elin Arvidsson (Falkenberg, Sweden) is used to playing in severe wind. She spent four years playing college golf in Lubbock, Texas for Texas Tech. She posted an even-par, 72 on Saturday to move from T15 to a tie for fifth.

“We had this type of weather for four years,” said Arvidsson, who made three birdies. “It was brutal because it was always super windy, but on a day like today, I’m thankful I had so much practice in the wind.”

Arvidsson said the hardest part is judging the wedges. She said it was at least a 2-club wind, but it could have been more because she alternates her grips frequently.

“The good thing is that most of the holes are either into the wind or downwind, not too many holes were cross wind,” explained Arvidsson. “The key is keeping the ball in the fairway because if you get into the high grass, you’re gone.”

Arvidsson is in position for the first top 10 finish of her career.

WITH ONE EYE ON FLORIDA AND HURRICANE

August Kim of Saint Petersburg, Florida was supposed to have her father, Chris, as her caddy this week like she has for much of the year. Hurricane Irma, which is expected to make landfall in Florida in the next 24 hours, forced the family to make a change. Chris stayed home with August’s younger sister, Auston, while her mom, Piljo, came to Garden City to be with August.

Kim has adjusted well this week with a 1-under, 71 on Saturday to get to 3-under, 141 through 36.

“I’ve been in constant contact with my dad and my sister this week,” said Kim. “I’m just hoping it is not as bad as you hear. I feel a lot better with my dad being home with my sister this week. I have friends in South Florida that have already evacuated so I’m just hoping for the best.”

Kim, who ranks 30th on the money list, was most pleased with the patience she displayed in the windy conditions.

“I was having to add 25 yards to shots to account for the wind,” said Kim. “I told myself before the round to be super patient because no round is perfect and that is especially true when it is windy. You just really have to snag birdies when you can.”

OF NOTE

One player in the top 10, Daniela Darquea, missed the cut. Darquea ranks ninth on the money list.
No. 12 (Paola Moreno), 13 (Sophia Popov) and 16 (Katelyn Dambaugh) on the money list are all in the top ten after two rounds.
Katelyn Dambaugh and August Kim are the only two players in the field with two rounds under-par.

Avirdsson Used to Playing in Wind and More from Round Two in Garden City

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