Herman heads to Sunday with Wichita Open lead

June 23, 2012|By GRANT MEECH | KWCH 12 Eyewitness Sports

Photo by Lauren Helt

WICHITA, Kan. — Jim Herman felt no pressure in the final pairing on Saturday.

"It's golf - there are 18 more holes and we'll see where I end up tomorrow," Herman said following his round.

He waited until the back nine of Crestview Country Club to make his move Saturday, including a birdie on 18, firing a clean round of 68 to take a two shot lead into Sunday at the Wichita Open.

"4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and even 10 - they are tough holes so you definitely try and one on holes 2 or 3, which I didn't get to today," Herman said. "I was able to make some birdies in other places to get my round going."

Herman heads off in the final pairing with Casey Wittenberg at 1 p.m from the first tee.

His playing partner Robert Damron struggled on Moving Day with a 76 in the wind but Herman held firm, even after giving a few back during his round.

"Had an eagle shot on both of the Par-5's and didn't get up and down from either of them," Herman said. "Felt like I left two of them out there."

With the winds whipping to 30 mph in the third round, Mother Nature had her way with the golfers, save for Justin Hicks, who came from nowhere to shoot a 6-under 65 to move all the way up to third place.

The conditions were not ideal for a Moving day push but they pushed on, indeed. Casey Wittenberg came to the back nine with ground to make up. He did that and then some, coming in with a 31 to fire a 67 and trails Herman by only two at 13-under. They will head off in the final group.

Hudson Swafford moved up just one spot to 10-under, tied with Luke List and Joseph Bramlett.

"If you hit the ball off the tee, you are definitely in position to make some birdies," Bramlett said following the round. "But if you miss the fairways, it's pretty penal this week."

Jason Gore started out great with two birdies but gave one back at the par-3 12th hole only to finish strong with a 68. He's three shots back of Herman but likes his chances.

"Jim Herman is playing great," Gore said. "He is going to be tough to catch but all you can ask for is a chance."

Holding a two shot lead heading to the final round can play tricks on the mind, but Herman is feeling fine.

"It's exciting to be going off last and playing in the final group," said Herman. "Just looking forward to going out in the final group and seeing if I can get it done."

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