Jim Herman surges into contention at the Web.com Tour’s Cox Classic
The one-time Web.com Tour winner Jim Herman finally made birdies – plenty of them – for an eight-under par 63 opening round score to take the fourth spot on the leaderboard in the Cox Classic.
On a warm day with little wind, Herman took advantage of the pristine conditions at Champions Run to stroke behind the leaders, Luke Guthrie, Bubba Dickerson and Aaron Goldberg.
He got off to a stunning start and recorded four birdies along with a sparkling eagle on the back nine to go six-under par early in the round.
Another three birdies against a lone bogey on the front nine allowed him to get into contention for the top position at the end of the round.
Herman, whose only professional victory came at the Nationwide Tour’s Moonah Classic in 2010, has played 14 Web.com Tour events so far in the 2012 season. However, he has not been able to amuse his fans, as he managed to record only two top-10 finishes.
While talking to the Web.com Tour website, he stated that one should keep piling up birdies during this week if they want to win the event.
"You have to stay on the gas pedal this week," said Herman, who missed the cut at last week's Nationwide Children's Hospital Invitational in Ohio. "After Columbus, where par is awesome and birdie is a luxury, you get here and you better be making birdies".
In the meantime, Goldberg commented that the course was really easy to play on. However, putting will still play an important role in creating a line between a good play and a great play.
He recorded a 62 to record the best score of his career so far. His previous best was a 63 that he recorded a year ago on this same course.
"Regardless of the course, you still have to hit good golf shots and make good putts. Out here, this week, you have to make more putts," Goldberg said.
"Situationally, I'm hitting it the same. With wedges and short irons I'll go at the pin but if I've got a 5-iron or something in my hand I will probably be more conservative".
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