Koling's Smooth Forehand Leads Him to Waco Day Two Lead
Date Published

The sun was shining brightly at the Waco Annual Charity Open on Friday, and Jeremy Koling's smooth forehand was making waves on the course. After a 13-under par 54 round, Koling took the lead into the clubhouse with a commanding 23-under par total. The experienced player remained focused throughout the day, relying on his expertise to navigate the challenging terrain.
Koling's calm and collected approach paid off as he parked shots on more than a third of the course's middle nine holes. He left only one putt outside of 10 meters, which he confidently sunk for birdie on the 17th hole. The precision and control displayed by Koling were a testament to his experience in high-pressure situations.
Meanwhile, Paul McBeth was putting on an incredible display of skill and power. With a near impossible eagle connection on the 15th hole, McBeth's scorecard read 10-under par through nine holes, leaving him just one stroke behind Koling. However, as the day progressed, McBeth's momentum began to slow.
The usually reliable putter started to falter, and McBeth's eagling attempts turned into bogeys. He misfired on several occasions, throwing his forehand straight into the ground and veering off course on others. A visit to the practice basket was necessary for McBeth to regroup and refocus.
"I got a bit gluttonous," McBeth admitted, "trying to eagle every hole instead of playing smart golf." He reflected on his mistakes, vowing to be more mindful in the final round. For the first time, he committed his thoughts to paper, reminding himself to "humble myself and take responsibility" for his game.
McBeth's struggles allowed Jeremy Koling to seize the opportunity. Following McBeth's errant water putt on the 5th hole, Koling sunk a crucial connection from 50 feet, signaling his confidence in close-range putts. The experience and poise displayed by Koling are essential qualities as he aims to defend his Waco title.
Other notable performances included Nate Perkins matching Koling's score to tie for second place with McBeth. Perkins' local knowledge and comfort on the course proved advantageous, with a 30-point boost above his average rating. His fellow competitors took notice of his impressive play, saying "there's no hole he's afraid of" due to his familiarity with Brazos Park East.
Garrett Gurthie made a resurgent leap in the standings, carding two eagles and landing three 40-foot putts to climb 11 places on the leaderboard. His distance and accuracy proved beneficial as he climbed into contention for the championship.
The final round will be broadcast live on the Disc Golf Pro Tour's YouTube channel, with real-time scoring and statistics available at UDisc Live. The competition is heating up as Koling, McBeth, Perkins, and Gurthie battle it out for the top spot in Waco.
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/koling-calmly-collects-waco-lead