Taylor Moore takes Sagauro Amateur lead

MARICOPA, Ariz. (Jan. 4, 2013) -- Taylor Moore of the University of Arkansas fired a second-round 64 and took firm hold of the lead at the inaugural Saguaro Amateur at Southern Dunes Golf Club. Moore, who shot 66 on Friday and trailed first-round leader Grayson Murray by two shots, shot the round of the day on Saturday to catapult to a four-shot lead entering the final round of play on Sunday. Moore will start play with a cushion on A.J. McInerney of UNLV and the University of Washington's Trevor Simsby. McInerney shot 66 in Round 2 to climb up the leaderboard. Murray is still in the mix despite a setback on Saturday. After shooting the low round of the tournament in the opening round on Friday, Murray shot 1-over 72 and sits five off the lead. The recent transfer to nearby Arizona State made headlines this past June when he qualified for the U.S. Open at Merion. Nevada's Andrew Cornella and Austin Kaiser of San Diego State round out the Top 5 after shooting 66 and 68, respectively, in the second round. The inaugural Saguaro Amateur runs through Sunday, Jan. 5 and includes 108 men's amateur golfers. The Saguaro Amateur was the idea of NCAA golf coaches Roy Edwards (Colorado) and Joe Jensen (Wyoming). “We were having trouble locating a tournament for our players in their off-season to compete and get the rust off,” Edwards said. “We figured we were not the only ones having this issue. Coach Jensen and I decided to start our own event and to provide a competitive avenue in a great environment.” Southern Dunes is playing at about 7,150 yards for the event. “Southern Dunes is a first-class property and will provide a fun and competitive test for our participants,” Edwards said. “The staff there is well-known for great hospitality and service and the golf course is always in championship condition. We are excited to partner with such a great facility for the talented players who will be coming from all over the United States.”