Not sure how it is possible, but the weather in Santa Cruz for day two of the 27th “Steady” Ed Memorial Masters Cup presented by the DGA was even nicer than day one.  Warm sunshine, flawless blue skies, and cool ocean breezes all combined with the flight of discs, the camaraderie of disc golfers despite stiff competition, and the beautiful music of the chains, making for a day that was magical.  So magical in fact that even the local wildlife was cheering the "golphers" on. It is no wonder that the name “DeLaveaga” elicits a certain reverence from disc golfers around the world.

In the Senior Grandmasters (60+) division, Dr. Rick Voakes of Bowling Green, KY increased his lead to 25 throws over Tom Schot of Capitola, CA by shooting another four-over 85 on the 27 hole course.  Many Open players would be thrilled to be matching Dr. Rick’s scores.

In the Grandmasters (50+) division, Doug Werner of Fremont, CA held onto the lead by also matching his first day score, shooting an 80.  However, David Devine of San Diego had the hot round with a 79 to pick up a throw and hold second place 2 throws back.  Michael Barry of Los Osos, CA threw an 81 to end up four throws back in third place.

In the Masters (40+) division, reigning Masters World Champion Jon Baldwin of Scotts Valley, CA had the hot round of 76 to take over the lead at -7.  Patrick Brown of San Francisco, CA shot a one-over and holds second place at -5.  Phil Arthur of Woodstock, GA and Jason Tyra of Grass Valley, CA are tied for third place at -4 each.

And speaking of scores that many of the Open players wish they could match, look out for the leader in the Ladies Open division! FPO leader Sarah Hokom of Caldwell, Idaho shot a blistering one-over-par 82; a score which only 26 of the 64 male Open players could best.  With two rounds of 27 holes under her belt, Sarah finds herself leading Catrina Allen of Phoenix Arizona and Val Jenkins of Capitola, CA who are tied in second place eight throws back.  The only other lady besides these three to throw a sub-90 round, was Kathy Collins of Grass Valley, CA who shot a very nice 87 to find herself in fourth place, nine strokes further back from Catrina and Val.

The Men’s open division was a barn-burner.  The day started with Will Schusterick of Nashville, TN, 3x World Champion Nate Doss of Capitola, CA, and 2010 World Champ Eric McCabe of Emporia, KS all tied for the lead at -10.  When the second round was completed, Nate stood all alone in the lead at -18.  Paul MacBeth of Clearwater, FL had shot the hot round at -9 to end up one throw back in second place and McCabe finds himself in third place at -15.  Two throws further back in fourth place is Schusterick at -13, and Ricky Wysocki of Fort Mill, SC is in fifth place at -12.  Eight more players are within 5 strokes of Ricky.

Day 2 at the Masters Cup also brought with it 2 more Aces as Greg Barsby of Grass Valley, CA hit his on Hole 20 and Tony Tran of Aptos, CA got his on Hole 8.

So, what should we pay attention to tomorrow on the final day of competition from Santa Cruz?

Well, it will be interesting to see if Tom Schot can close the gap on Dr. Rick in the Senior Grandmasters division, or if Dr. Rick will simply continue to run away with it.

Grandmasters is very close with three players within only 4 throws of the lead, and Masters has the reverse with four players within only three strokes of the lead, so those divisions should be very exciting and could go down to the wire to be decided.

The Ladies Open division lead is not insurmountable across 27 holes on DeLeveaga, and with the level of talent in that division, it is definitely going to be fun to watch.  And everyone will be looking to see if Sarah Hokom can continue to bring her wicked forehand to bear to continue to out-score most of the men’s field.

The Open division is easily the most volatile of all with close scores and lots of talent, but on a tough course requiring smart play, finesse, and patience, with a special critical eye at risk-reward and the potential for roll-a-ways, this could go to anyone. Nate Doss was raised on this course, and has 8 top 10 finishes here in the last 10 years, but he has never won this event. Will this be his year?

Those who are managed by the course and shoot poorly, will talk of should-haves and bad luck, but those who manage the course, and thereby score well, will know that luck has very little to do with it. 

Watch for live scoring of the final round this afternoon and stay tuned to Twitter and facebook for updates throughout the day.