Kent Eger
It's not too often a golfer will experience heartache moments after closing out a 10-under 61.
Then again, nothing could have prepared Jose de Jesus Rodriguez for what transpired late Saturday afternoon at the Canadian Tour's Economical Insurance Group Seaforth Country Classic.
Seconds after tearing up Seaforth GC for a course record-tying 61 to take the lead on AMJ Campbell moving day, Rodriguez, regarded as one of the best players in his native country, left the scoring tent without signing his scorecard.
So instead of taking a three-shot lead into the final round, Rodriguez won't be playing any golf Sunday after being disqualified. Darren Griff of Nanaimo, BC, who went deep to the tune of an 8-under 63, holds down the one-shot edge on Regina's Kent Eger (68), the winner of the inaugural Seaforth event two years ago, and 2006 Order of Merit winner Stephen Gangluff (65).
"That's very unfortunate," said a shocked Griff when he learned of Rodriguez's misfortune. "He's excited, has the lead, shoots 10-under and I guess it just slipped his mind. It's harsh. There's not much you can say."
Minutes after the disqualification, compatriot Alex Quiroz and numerous spectators consoled Rodriguez by a scoreboard which no longer showed his name at the top.
Three years ago, the 29-year-old Rodriguez was the Mexican PGA Rookie of the Year. So far in 2010, Rodriguez has been one of the more consistent players on the Canadian Tour but has yet to notch a victory. He has made the cut in all seven starts this year, highlighted by a runner-up showing at the Corona Mazatlan Mexican PGA Championship and a third at the Riviera Nayarit Classic.
With Griff holding on to a one shot lead late in the day, Rodriguez hit a 3-wood to four feet on the drivable par-4 16th to set up an eagle. After closing with a birdie, it looked like he would sleep on the lead.
Instead, he'll likely lose sleep.
Aaron Goldberg is in position to win his third consecutive start as he heads into Sunday two shots back along with Tom Glissmeyer.
Overnight leaders Rob Grube, Brady Stockton and Brian Prouty had their hands full Saturday, combining to shoot 1-over.
It's been a long while since Griff found himself in this position. His last brush with a championship trophy came back in 2006, when he managed his third career runner-up finish in Winnipeg. That year, in a late-season five event stretch, Griff finish inside the top ten four times, including three showings in the top four.
Coming off a disappointing 2009 campaign where he made a cheque in just five of 13 starts, Griff has rebounded this season, playing on the weekend in six of eight events.
Even as he woke up Saturday morning, Griff didn't have a number in mind that would get him back in the tournament.
"I'm not one of those guys that say 'I need to shoot 8-under'," reasoned Griff moments before he learned of Rodriguez's disqualification. "I know I have to hit 3-wood off the first tee, find my ball and try to make birdie."
"I'm doing a lot better today than I was yesterday," he added. "The first two days, I didn't make a lot of putts. Today, I made some and probably a few of somebody else's, too."
It was a rather slow start for Griff Saturday as he found himself even after four holes. He then turned it on, going 8-under the rest of the way, including a 30-foot eagle putt on 14.
And now, he could be one day away from his long-awaited first win.
"If I win tomorrow or finish tenth, it doesn't really change anything," he said. "I've been playing good golf and no matter what happens tomorrow, I'll still be playing good golf. It won't change who I am. My friends will still be my friends.
"It's not going to change who I am or how I feel about myself."