Ex-BYU golfer Nick Kllpack leads Provo Open by 2

PROVO — Former BYU golfer Nick Killpack wasn't awed the least bit by his second-round 8-under 64 on Friday at the Reserve at East Bay, which gives him a two-shot lead heading into today's final 18 holes of the Provo Open golf tournament.

He also wasn't surprised three golfers beat his outstanding score Friday, which is why Killpack, at 14-under par 130 through 36 holes, only leads by two strokes.

"I wasn't terribly surprised, because the greens were soft," Killpack said. "I expected the greens to firm up as the week went on, but we were able to fire right at the flag today and not worry about it kicking over the back. It was easier to get at pins today, for sure."

The golfers who were shocked the most were those who tore up East Bay better than Killpack and still find themselves trailing him. Former Utah Valley University golfer Nick Nelson shot a course-record, 11-under 61 on Friday afternoon and sits in fifth place, three strokes behind Killpack.

Zac Blair, a sophomore at BYU and the reigning Utah State Amateur champion, tied the previous course record Friday morning with a 10-under 62 — and still finds himself five shots behind. Steve Schneiter, a former Provo Open winner, posted a blistering 9-under 63 and sits eight shots back.

Clay Ogden, a former U.S. Public Links champion, posted a 65. First-round leader Clark Jones shot a 68 on Friday. Richfield amateur Kyle Chappell and Davis Park pro Dustin Volk each put together their second straight scores of 66.

All of those golfers trail Killpack, who leads Ogden, Chappell and Volk by two, Nelson and Jones by three, Blair by five and Riverside assistant Chris Moody by six shots.

"If I continue to hit it and putt it like I did (Friday), I won't have a problem. I just need to worry about myself and my game," Killpack said.

With so many golfers capable of going low, however, Killpack knows he can't get away with average golf today and expect to win.

"I'm just happy to have this experience. I need to get comfortable with playing in the leader group, and I need to get comfortable sleeping on a lead. These are the kind of things that will only make me become a better player," he said.

If Killpack can hang on, it would be his first professional win in Utah and second biggest payday ever. He earned $6,000 for winning the Parker Open in Arizona last month.