From staff reports

sports@joplinglobe.com

MIAMI, Okla. — On Friday it was the second round. Last year the third. Rain is becoming a nuisance for the NGA Hooters Buffalo Run Casino Classic.

After heavy pre-dawn thunderstorms at the Peoria Ridge Golf Course, officials with the pro tour, for the second straight year, postponed one of the four scheduled rounds. Second-round competition gets under way at 7:30 a.m. today.

After today, the field will be cut to the top 60 players, plus ties, with a 36-hole final scheduled Sunday. The original format was to have 18-hole rounds both Saturday and Sunday.

“With all the rain the golf course sustained Friday, the course was completely unplayable,” said Jeff Harlow, Hooters Tour director.

Jeff Corr of Longwood, Fla., tees off this morning guarding a slim lead over the 167-player field. His 10-under-par 62 on Thursday has him ahead of Joey Lamielle, Sarasota, Fla.; Matthew Anderson, Edina, Minn.; and Daniel Vojta, Palatine, Ill., all with 63s.

The seven players tied with 64s are David Skinns, Lincoln, England; Blaine Peffley, Lebanon, Pa.; Herman Borja, Coral Springs, Fla.; Andrew Dresser, Carrollton, Texas; Jeff Burns, San Antonio, Texas; Matt Schall, Williamsport, Pa.; and Parker LaBarge, St. Louis.

Skinns is the leading money winner on the tour at $84,157. Corr stands 15th at $24,297.

Last year’s champion, Jordan Dempsey from Baton Rouge, La., is in a six-way tie for fourth at 65.

Robert Russell, a Joplin High School graduate now playing out of Kansas City, carded a 71 on Thursday.

Those entered from the Joplin area and their scores: Boyd Downey, Carl Junction, 75; and amateurs Seth Rhodes, Miami, 81; and Bryce Rowe, Baxter Springs, Kan., 82.

The total purse for the tournament is $200,000 with $33,566 going to the winner.