Associated Press
Saturday, March 25

MILTON, Fla. -- Gil Morgan, continuing a comeback from a rib injury, extended his lead in the Emerald Coast Classic to two strokes over Larry Nelson in the second round of the Senior Tour event Saturday.

Morgan shot a second straight 5-under 65 for a 36-hole score of 130 going into Sunday's final round at the Moors Golf Club. He led by a stroke after the first round over Nelson, who shot a 66 for a two-day score of 132, and Jim Dent, who fell off the pace at 139 after a 3-over 73.

John Mahaffey remained in contention with a 66 for 134, four strokes behind Morgan, and Allen Doyle and David Graham were at 135 after matching 67s.

The Emerald Coast is Morgan's first official event of the season since suffering a pulled rib muscle while lifting weights in December. He aggravated the injury during the pro-am Thursday but found relief by adding treatment from a chiropractor to the physical therapy he has been receiving since being injured.

"I'm excited about being able to play at this level without too many expectations," Morgan said.

He said he still is worried, however, that he may have tried to come back too soon.

"I feel like I have a chance to be in that scenario," Morgan said. "I feel like I'm walking down that edge."

Morgan had six birdies, one on the 406-yard, par-4 first hole that he eagled Friday, against one bogey. Nelson, who bogeyed the second hole but came back with five birdies, said he felt lucky to be only two strokes down.

"Gil played really well today and by all rights he should be six or seven shots ahead," Nelson said. "To come out of this 4-under par I feel like I stole something."

The Scottish-style 6,784-yard course was playing hard and fast, said Dana Quigley, one of six golfers who were six back at 136.

"I think this is the kind of course conditions that the PGA Senior Tour staff wants us to play and most of the players want to play," said Quigley, who prefers softer, slower layouts. "I don't get a vote on that, so I have to play what they dish up."

He handled it pretty well, shooting a 65, matching Morgan for the best score of the round.