Dec. 29, 2011

LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. — South Carolina sophomore Blaine Woodruff posted an even-par 71 on Thursday in the second round of the inaugural Patriot All-America Invitational at Wigwam Golf Club.

Woodruff, who is representing Army Staff Sergeant Nino D. Livaudais, moved up four spots on the overall leaderboard to finish the day in a tie for 42nd with a two-round total of 147 (+5). The tournament is also divided into two flights, and Woodruff is tied for sixth in the Ramon Padilla flight, six shots back of leader Paul McConnell (141).

Woodruff had a rough start to the day with a bogey on the first but he bounced back with a birdie on the second hole and a birdie at the fifth on his way to a 35 (-1) on the front nine. The Acworth, Ga., native recorded two birdies, three bogeys and four pars on the back side to finish the round at even par.

Woodruff is competing against a field that features 84 collegiate golfers from across the nation, including 21 of the world’s top-100 ranked amateurs.

The Wigwam Golf Club, along with the Arizona Golf Association and the Golf Coaches Association of America, is partnering with the Folds of Honor Foundation to host the inaugural Patriot All-America. The AGA is the host organization for the event, while the GCAA will administer the player invitations. Senator John McCain and Jerry Colangelo serve as co-chairmen for the event.

To show support for Folds of Honor, each golfer is carrying a commemorative PING golf bag bearing the name of a fallen soldier.

The final round will get underway on Friday morning.