Gallagher's record falls

Photo: Kevin Light/PGA TOUR

Caleb Sturgeon (swinging) continues to lead the GolfBC Championship at Gallagher's Canyon.

Caleb Sturgeon's hold on the competitive course record at Gallagher's Canyon Golf and Country Club barely lasted 24 hours.

Sturgeon fired a seven-under par 64 to take the first round lead Thursday at the $175,000 GolfBC Championship.

But, after struggling his way to an even par round of 71 on the opening day, Kurt Kitayama blistered the course during a rain and hail filled day Friday.

Kitayama waited out a two-hour and forty minute weather delay and fired a second round nine-under 62 to climb into contention.

The Chico, Calif. native marked nine birdies on his scorecard without making a bogey en route to the new course record. He birdied three of his last four holes, including the final two, to reach the clubhouse just as darkness descended onto the course.

The long afternoon delay, bought on by lightning and hail in the vicinity, meant 29 players were still on the course when play was suspended for the day at 9:07 p.m.

Those golfers will head back onto the course at 8 a.m. Saturday to complete their second round.

Tournament officials will then reduce the 156 player field to the top 60 and ties, before sending those remaining out for the third round.

Included in that group of 29 is Sturgeon, who is the leader on the course at 12-under par. Sturgeon is at five-under for the day through 17 holes.

“I bogeyed the first hole, and it actually kind of helped me to stop, hit some more balls, hit some more putts and get some good momentum going getting back out there,” said Sturgeon, who was 1-over on his round when play was suspended initially.

He has just the reachable par five ninth hole to play.

“I’m looking forward to it as always. Any time you’re playing well, you’re always looking forward to the weekend."

Sturgeon is two shots clear of three golfers, Americans Dan McCarthy and Ted F. Smith, and Canadian Ryan Williams.

All three share the clubhouse lead at 10-under 132 through 36 holes.

One shot further back at nine-under 133 are Kitayama and Mark Geddes from Liverpool, England.

The cut is projected at three-under par.

At the present time, 62 players are at three-under or better.

The winner Sunday will pocket a cheque for $31,500.