Boise State golfer Troy Merritt is 18 holes away from qualifying for the NCAA Championships.
The senior from Fridley, Minn., fired a one-under 71 Friday in the second round of the NCAA West Regional at Gold Mountain in Bremerton, Wash.
Merritt is tied for 12th place with a two-day total of 144. He had three bogeys on his first four holes Friday, but rallied to birdie four of the next six, and also birdied No. 18.
Merritt is six strokes off the overall lead held by Oregon's Joey Benedetti (138).
Merritt must be one of the top two individuals not on a top-10 finishing team to qualify for nationals. He currently holds a two-stroke advantage over five golfers for the final individual selection.
The three-day regional ends Saturday.
The Idaho Statesman is pleased to offer this opportunity to share information and observations about what's in the news. Some comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate but ask that you remain on topic. Comments that are profane, personal attacks or otherwise inappropriate are subject to removal.
@Nyx.CommentBody@