Defending Champion Thurman Leads Early Qualifiers in Rain-delayed WAPL

       Palm Coast, Fla. – Defending champion Annie Thurman, 20, of Highland, Utah, took the lead among early finishers in the second stroke-play qualifying round at the UnitedStates Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship. Thurman fired a second-round 72 for a 36-hole total of 145 on the 6,068-yard, par-72 course at Ocean Hammock Golf Club.

        Half the field of 144 players remained on the course.

       “I like them,” said Thurman said of her chances to successfully defend the title she won in 2002. “I’m confident going in. You’ve got to be hot and you’ve got to make birdies out there, but I like them.”

        The players were evacuated from the course at 3:48 p.m. in a weather delay when a line of thunderstorms approached.

        Trailing Thurman among the early finishers was Amanda McCurdy of El Dorado, Ark., at 73-75—148. First-round leader Beth Allen of San Diego, Calif., posted an 81 and stood at 149 (68-81).

        Following the second round of qualifying, the low 64 players will advance to match play. The championship will be decided with a 36-hole final on Sunday.