Local golfers miss cut in Pennsylvania Open
Robert Rohanna was hoping his score would reflect the way he was striking the ball, while Ryan Bashour was looking to rebound from a poor first round.
Bashour was sufficiently pleased with his second round Tuesday, but it was more of the same for Rohanna, as both golfers missed the 40-man cut in the Pennsylvania Open hosted by Moselem Springs Country Club.
Rohanna had another 4-over 74 for a two-day total of 148, missing the cut by four strokes. Bashour bettered his first round by three strokes, shooting an 11-over 81 for a two-round total of 165.
For Rohanna, Tuesday’s second round was another of case hitting good shots, but not finishing with good scores.
“It was the same thing as yesterday,” explained Rohanna. “I hit 14 greens today, and the same amount of fairways. I had trouble on the par-3s. The only greens I missed were the par-3s.”
Rohanna, the defending champion, had four bogeys and two birdies on the front nine, and a bogey, double bogey and birdie on the back.
“I hit it in the middle of the fairway on No. 1, and 2-putted for par. I hit it down the middle on No. 2, and three-putt for bogey,” said Rohanna. “On No. 3 (193-yard par-3), my tee shot catches a tree and I end up with bogey.
“I hit a lot of fairways. That’s not a bad thing.”
Rohanna, a Waynesburg Central graduate, felt he was on the cusp for a strong finish after his drive on No. 16.
“I smoke a drive on No. 16 (408-yard par-4). I had 60 yards left. I knew I had to birdie, and then there was a weather delay,” said Rohanna.
When play resumed, Rohanna parred the hole and then double bogeyed No. 17, effectively taking away any chance.
“I’m not happy, but I am. It’s very frustrating. I’m working hard on my game,” said Rohanna.
Bashour had a better second day than first.
“I actually hit the ball a lot better. I had three bad strokes and it cost me seven strokes. I did not have one birdie in 36 holes,” said Bashour. “I was more relaxed and comfortable. I wasn’t as nervous.”
The Brownsville graduate learned lessons on the fly, an education he hopes to turn into more tournament experiences.
“I learned a lot about myself. Tournament golf is a lot different. I need to play more tournament conditions,” said Bashour. “I need to have dedication. I need to keep my level so I can move to the next level.”