Weather no problem for Mason after two

COLUMBUS - Cold isn't good for golf.

The players have to wear bulky coats as they take their swings and they have to try and keep their hands warm as they walk about the links. Cold simply isn't fun.

Apparently no one told Nick Mason.

Mason, of Scottsdale, Ariz., leads the Well Fargo Nebraska Open at Elks Country Club after shooting a 63 Saturday on the second consecutive day of chilly temperatures in the area. Friday, Mason shot a 68 in even colder weather and has a two-day total of 131 to lead the tournament by three strokes.

The temperature has wavered between 40 and 60 degrees over the course of the tournament, and Mason has exploited the discomfort of some of the other golfers by shooting excellent rounds of golf.

“(Mason has) played in this tournament for at least 10 of the 12 years I've been here,” Elk head golf pro Mike Vun Cannon said. “I think he had two chip-ins today - one for a birdie and the other for an eagle.”

Currently in second place is Mike Plate, of Ogallala, with a 134, followed by Mike Schuchart, of Lincoln, with a 136. Schuchart won the Nebraska Open back-to-back from 2002-03.

The top amateur for the tournament so far is Ryan Nietfeldt, of Omaha, with a 141. In second place for the amateurs is a local, Greg Pohlmann, who attends Lakeview High School. Pohlmann opened up the tournament efficiently Friday, shooting a par 71. His second round wasn't quite as good with a 73, but he was able to stay competitive at a 2-over par 144.

Vun Cannon wasn't shocked at Pohlmannn's performance.

“He's played a ton of golf this summer and got a lot better, so it doesn't surprise me.” Vun Cannon said. “He's a great kid and works really hard.”

As the golfers gear up for the deciding day of the tournament today, Vun Cannon said the weather may be ready to cooperate with forecasts of up to 85 degrees for the day. He admitted that scores up until now may have been affected by the temperature.

“The weather played a part these first two days, there's no doubt,” Vun Cannon said. “Plus you get guys from the South who aren't used to this at all. But that's weather in the Midwest. It is supposed to be nicer tomorrow, though.”

Vun Cannon said despite the weather, many of the players have been playing well and the course, especially the greens, is in excellent condition.

The first golfers tee off at 7:30 a.m. today, with the leaders teeing off at around 12:30 p.m.

TOP 10 OPEN STANDINGS

AFTER TWO ROUNDS

1. Nick Mason 131, 2. Mike Plate 134, 3. Mike Schuchart 136, 4. Jason Preeo 137, 5. Brian Coe, Jon Olson, Sam Proal and Ryan Conn 138, 9. Ben Pettitt, Connie Pierce, Brett Swedberg, Shane Zywiec, A.J. Elgert and Justin Herron 139.