Arevalo fumbles in tough conditions, limps with 74 in Houma Golf Classic

MANILA, Philippines – Abby Arevalo found the going a lot tougher in wind and rain, hobbling with a two-over 74 to fall 10 strokes behind new leader Simin Feng halfway through the Houma Golf Classic in Houma, Louisiana Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time).

Arevalo ran off 11 straight pars as she failed to pounce on Ellendale Country Club’s first two par-5s which she birdied in her opening 71 Tuesday. She failed to get up-and-down on No. 12 and after another streak of pars, she holed out with a bogey the 18th for the second straight day.

With a 145 aggregate, the 2020 Philippine Ladies Open champion tumbled from joint 17th to a share of 21st, safely making it to the final 36 holes of the $46,000 event but too far behind to pose a threat.

But a solid third round output could turn things around for the ICTSI-backed bet, who marked her pro debut with a victory on the Cactus Tour in Las Vegas last year, in this first leg of the Women’s All Pro Tour, which stakes points as part of the LPGA qualifier.

The Top 5 after 13 legs will advance to Stage II of the LPGA Q-School in October.

Feng, meanwhile, endured tough conditions, birdying thee of the last four holes at the back where she teed off then sustained her form and hit three more birdies for a solid 66 and a 135 total.

The Chinese wrested a two-stroke lead over Britanny Fan of Hawaii, who rallied with a frontside 33 to fire a 68, which Kathleen Scavo, also of the US, matched for joint second at 137 while three others —Panitta Yusabai of Thailand (69), Aussie Jessica Whitting (71) and American Michaela Williams (72) shared fourth place at 140.

The first cut was pegged at 148 with 38 players advancing with another cut set after 54 holes.