The Starter, Round 2: The Greenbrier Classic

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Jul. 30, 2010
By PGATOUR.COM staff

FOG DELAY (7:30 a.m ET) -- There will be an hour-long delay in the tee times for the second round -- fog around the Greenbrier Resort will keep the first groups from teeing off until 8 a.m. ET.

After the fog burns off, its expected to be a perfect day in West Virginia, with sunny skies and temps in the mid-80s.

The second round of The Greenbrier Classic is set to begin Friday. Here's a preview:

Groups We're Watching

Tee time	Players
12:10 p.m. ET No. 1		Brandt Snedeker, Chris Stroud, Brendon de Jonge Former Virginia Tech Hokie de Jonge carded a first-round 65. Will the home cooking continue Friday?
1:30 p.m. ET, No. 10		Jeff Maggert, Jeff Overton, Brenden Pappas One of the best players on TOUR without a win, Overton is off to a good start at 6 under.
2 p.m. ET, No. 10		Aron Price, Martin Flores, Erik Compton Compton will be the fan-favorite after his 7-under 63 Thursday, but will fatigue play a role in the second round?

MORE ROUND 2: Tee times | Inside the field | Inside the course

EXPERT PREVIEW: PGA TOUR NETWORK on-site correspondent Doug Bell previews Round 2:

The great equalizer on any course is wind, and Mother Nature started blowing hard during yesterday's opening round -- and more is expected today. Residents of The Greenbriar told me it's rare for the wind not to blow off the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains which surround the property. It's a blustery breeze that comes from all directions and is quite tricky to the players here for the first time.

With only two par 5s on the Old White Course, you have to be really good with your irons here. That was the story of the day for Erik Compton who was the center of attention in the media center and on the range after his opening-round 63. Today he tees off in the last group on the 10th tee, where a much larger gallery is expected to follow him.

Friday's forecast

Sunny and clear
Temp: 84 high/60 low
Chance of precipitation: 40 percent. Winds from NW at around 10 mph.

I remember talking with him at Pebble Beach and he was really excited about how his game was improving. You have to remember this guy was a real talent at the University of Georgia before his two heart transplants. All eyes are watching him this week, including those of Hollywood producers, but there is still a long way to go.

Jeff Overton has lots to play for in West Virginia, like a spot in next week's World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational and for one on the Ryder Cup squad. Currently 10th on the team standings, he is definitely on Corey Pavin's radar screen. He's been knocking on the door and this could be the tournament he finally kicks it in and earns a trip to Akron next week. Keep an eye on Brendon de Jonge, too, who is riding a streak of 10 straight rounds in the sixties. Like Overton, he's close to the winner's circle.

Arnold Palmer flew in to watch his grandson Sam Saunders, who opened with a 3-over 73. The Greenbrier is where The King earned his first professional paycheck in 1955 playing in Sam Snead's pro-am. He told me during an interview on the PGA TOUR Network that he thinks this event could be one of the best on TOUR in years to come.

INSTRUCTOR'S CORNER: Shane Gillespie, head instructor at TOUR Academy Orlando, analyzes the playing conditions this week:

In the first round of The Greenbrier Classic, Erik Compton treated the fans to an amazing round of 63. His round has two lessons that the average golfer can learn from. To begin with, Compton didn't get off to a terrific start. After the first three holes he was 2 over.

Too often, I see players who let the first few holes dictate their attitude for the entire round. If the play them well, they feel they have a good shot at a low score but, if they start poorly they almost give up and expect to play the rest of the round poorly. Eric Compton clearly didn't throw in the towel and give up after the first three holes.

Erik Compton kept his focus and started to climb his way back into the tournament with birdies on on the next two holes. He added two more to make the turn in 2 under. After he reached 5 under, Compton displayed a second attribute which we could all learn from. He didn't get caught up in his score but, instead continued to play solid golf, piling on two more birdies to finish at 7 under.

Do you remember when you were first trying to break 100, 90 or 80? It seemed impossible. If you got to the 17th or 18th hole and knew you only need a par or bogey to break the "magic number," our hearts would begin to race, we would leave our comfort zone and then, fall apart on the final hole or holes. The next time you are in this situation, remember Erik Compton. Don't count your score or think about the trophy you could win. Instead, continue to play one shot at a time and stay focused on your routine. You will have plenty of time to think about your accomplishment after the round is over.

The Film Room

	Round 1 Highlights: The Greenbrier Classic Erik Compton and Matt Every are tied for the lead after the opening round of the inaugural Greenbrier Classic in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Watch it
	Shot of the Day: Round 1 Stuart Appleby uses his putter from just off the green to make birdie on the par-4 18th hole in Round 1 of the 2010 Greenbrier Classic. Watch it
	PGA TOUR Today: July 30, 2010 Two are tied at the top after the opening round of the 2010 Greenbrier Classic. Casey Black updates the action after Erik Compton and Matt Every's dueling 63's and looks ahead to day two. Watch it