Three shots behind is Semiahmoo's Jeff Coston, a former PGA Tour player and 1996 and 1999 Washington Open winner. The last time an Oregon golfer finished first in this state was in 1982, when then Portland golf pro Mike Davis scored a one-stroke victory. He doesn't even live in the Northwest now, having moved to Las Vegas. For two days, he carefully negotiated his way around Oakbrook, trying for position, trying not to overpower the ball and wind up in the fir trees. He had one bad spell yesterday, bogeying the 15th, 16th and 17th holes on his front nine, but righted things with five birdies.
Some sections are top-heavy.
Third has been his best finish closer to home. After a pair of 70s, he's not conceding anything to Gibbons. He struggled in college at New Mexico State, going through a growth spurt. He hits the ball longer than all of his peers, averaging up to 285-290 yards off the tee. Next week, Long will attempt to qualify for the Canadian Tour.