Riley increases lead in Louisiana Open

• By BOB ARDOIN
• Special to The Advocate
• Published: Mar 29, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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BROUSSARD — The smaller crowds and more relaxed atmosphere of the Nationwide Tour are apparently agreeing with Chris Riley.

Riley left Le Triomphe Golf Course with a comfortable feeling Friday after shooting a 3-under-par 68 to lead the 17th annual Chitimacha Louisiana Open after 36 holes.

“The competition out here is still tough, but I feel pretty comfortable. I’m a lot more relaxed,” said Riley, who has a three-stroke lead over Scott Dunlap and Australia native Gavin Coles.

“It’s also a different field on this tour. It’s good not to see Tiger (Woods) or V.J. Singh’s names when you look at the leader board.”

Riley, who shot a 65 to lead Thursday’s first round by a stroke over Jeff Klauk, said it’s hard to remember when he was in such good position to win a tournament after two rounds.

“Honest, I guess it’s been eight or nine years since I’ve been in the lead like this (after two rounds),” said Riley, who won last year’s Rochester (Minnesota) Area Charities Showdown at Somerby.

Following Friday’s round, tournament officials reduced the original 144-golfer field to 61.

Those surviving to play for the $94,000 in first-place prize money Sunday finished the first two rounds with score of a 1-over-par 72 or lower.

Riley’s first birdie Friday came after he dropped a 20-foot putt on the par-3 No. 16. Another 20-foot putt on No. 18 increased his lead by a stroke as he made the turn.

On the back nine, two birdies on par-5 holes increased Riley’s lead by another two strokes.

Dunlap said his 3-under-par second round might have improved by recording more birdies on the par-5 holes.