After a disappointing start to the tournament on Monday, the three Bellingham golfers competing in the 88th Washington Open Invitational at Meridian Valley CC in Kent made significant improvements yesterday. An opening 76 put Matt Cowell in a tie for 86th, but the big-hitter from Lake Padden shot a two-under 70 in round two, helping him climb all the way into a tie for 35th. Fellow Lake Padden professional Luke Bennett (right) also shot 70, completing the first 36 holes on three-over 147 and tied for 43rd, while the Hitting Zone's Dean Russell cut six shots off his first round 78, shooting a level par 72 that saw him finish the day tied for 68th.
Former WWU golfer Nick Varelia followed up his opening 71 with a 73 and heads into today's final round tied for 16th, and Sandy Vaughan posted a 72 to join Cowell on 146.
Still leading after two rounds is Meridian Valley CC amateur Michael Haack who followed his opening 64 with a one-under 71 yesterday.
Scores here.
