HARDER HALL INVITE: Higher Temps Lower Scores

SEBRING - Brisk winds and less-than-ideal playing conditions didn't dampen Taylore Karle's game - it seemed to give it extra pop.

The Pepperdine University freshman - who is rated the No. 1 college freshman in the nation by Golf World Magazine - shot an tournament-low 66 on day two of the 53rd annual Harder Hall Women's Invitational on Friday, good enough for a four-shot lead (75-66-141) over 2006 champion Stacy Lewis and Alison Walshe heading into the weekend.

Karle shot a 32 on the back nine, nabbing birdies on No. 15 and 18 and an eagle on No. 17 to give her a boost in the second half of the day.

In the Ben Roman (higher handicap) division, Sue Joy-Sobota took the lead on day two, shooting an two-day total of 164 (84-80), two shots ahead of Gail Brown, who finished with an 168 (82-86) followed by Bonnie Lennox with a 169 (90-79) heading into the weekend.

Sebring's Nela Hodge is seven strokes off the pace after firing a two-day total of 171 (88-83).

Lewis and the rest of the group weren't forced to endure the cold temperatures exhibited on Thursday's opening day, but the wind continued to bash the players, especially as the afternoon wore on.

"I just tried to stay consistent with the weather conditions being the way they are," Lewis said. "I told myself that I just had to get through the first two days and not shoot myself out of the tournament.

"I'm pleased with the way I played."

Tiffany Joh of San Diego and UCLA finished the second round in fourth place, shooting 147 (73-74) through 36 holes - good fortune she may owe to a plastic toy alligator named Larry.

"The alligator was a good-luck gift from my host parents [The Fitzpatricks]," Joh said. "I'm hoping he brings me some good luck and drop more putts over the weekend."

Joh, who earned first team All-Pac-10 honors last season, had been sidelined from the links with an illness before taking her turn at Harder Hall.

"You just have to expect to not play as well as you want to be," Joh said. "I haven't played [in three weeks], so I was just hoping to get rid of some of the rust and play well."

Isabelle Lendl and Virginia Der Grimes finished nine shots back and Marika Lendl shot a two day total of 151 (76-75) after two rounds of the tournament.

Isabelle and Marika, daughters of tennis great Ivan Lendl, are still within striking distance of the leaders, but their father knows they have the potential to play much better.

"They are hitting bogeys on a par-5, which they shouldn't be doing," Ivan Lendl said. "Take those mistakes out, and that would've dropped four shots off their scores.

"But I'm really proud of them, and I'm excited to see how they'll do over the weekend."

Marika wasn't deterred by the weather conditions and had compliments for the course after her round.
"The weather doesn't effect you unless you let it," Marika said. "I like Harder Hall because of the small greens, and you have to think to score on this course."

With many of the girls in the championship flight from the college ranks, familiarity of ones opponents could be a distinct advantage.

"We see so many of these players in college tournaments," Joh said. "I know Alison [Walshe] because she plays in the Pac-10. The only difference is the team aspect and the whole group standing on No.18 in support."