This story originally ran in the Commercial-News, courtesy of Chad Dare: link here

COVINGTON, Ind. — Most people would have to pay to see a golfer shoot a 10-under 62 in tournament conditions.

But on Sunday afternoon at RiverCrest Golf Club in Covington, Rossville native Michael Davan put on his show for free.

The two-time champion of the Danville City and Area Tournament set a new course record in taking a 15-stroke lead at the midway point of the four-round tournament.

“This is the first time that I’ve ever set a course record,’’ Davan said. “And it really means a lot to me; because it’s something I wanted to do this year.

“It’s my lowest tournament round ever. My previous best was 66.’’

That was Davan’s score in the first round on Saturday at Harrison Park, so quite obviously the 22-year old is playing very well in the tournament sponsored by Danville Polyclinic, Budweiser and Shore Wealth Management. Davan also started last year’s title run with a 66 at Harrison Park.

“I’ve worked really hard in the past year and a half on my game,’’ said Davan, a senior-to-be at IUPUI. “A couple of times this year at Hubbard Trail (Davan’s home course), I’ve been close to setting that course record. And I really want it badly.

“My best there is a 64 and the course record is a 63.’’

The key to Sunday’s round for Davan, which featured eight birdies, one eagle and no bogeys, was his incredible length.

“Michael’s great length rules the day,’’ said Tim Wheeler, who shot a 79 on Sunday while playing alongside of Davan. “It’s amazing how far he hits it.’’

And Davan played the four par-5s at RiverCrest at 4-under, but he had to settle for par on No. 7.

“The good thing about this course is that you get a lot of roll,’’ Davan said. “I was hitting my driver pretty well and I was putting my wedge shots below the hole. That’s what you had to do today.’’

Coming up the 18th fairway, Wheeler asked Davan if he had ever shot 30 for nine holes.

“Tim told me in the middle of the fairway, ‘you know if you birdie this hole, you will shoot 30,’” Davan said. “I said that I’ve shot 30 before.’’

And Wheeler responded, “have you ever shot 29?”

And Davan answered with a “no.”

“Well I have,’’ Wheeler quipped.

“I was like I guess I have to eagle this hole to tie you,’’ Davan said. “I hit a good second shot, but you can’t get overaggressive.’’

His putt for a 29 on the back nine and a 61 was just off the mark.

“It was beautiful to watch,’’ Wheeler said. “It was the easiest 62 that I’ve ever seen.’’

How many times have you seen a guy shoot 62 in a tournament?

“Everyone shoots 62,’’ Wheeler said. “The whole field shot 62 today, but Michael’s 62 ended at 18th hole.’’

How do you play with a guy that is as hot as Davan?

“You have to reserve yourself to know that when you showed up at the first tee, he is the class player in the field,’’ Wheeler said. “For me, it’s a privilege to play with him. You don’t get to watch that kind of golf, unless you pay $65 to attend a tour event and watch them play.

“And the best part of it for me, is that we had a good time doing it.’’

Also playing in that final group was Catlin’s David Keenan, who put together a solid round of even-par 72, giving him a two-round total of 143. That’s good enough for second place — 15 shots behind Davan.

“Michael is just way ahead of everyone,’’ said Keenan, who will be playing for Parkland this fall. “There is not much we can do about it. He is just that good.

“It’s fun to watch. For me, it gives me the motivation to try and get better. That’s where I want to be in five years.’’

With still two rounds to play, Saturday at Turtle Run and next Sunday at Danville Country Club, Davan isn’t ready to proclaim himself as a three-time champion.

“You never know what could happen,’’ he said. “It helps to have a 15-shot lead, but I still have 36 holes of golf left.

“I still have to execute, as well as I have been, and be committed to every shot.’’

Keenan, who had a goal of being under-par in this tournament, agreed.

“The main thing you want to do; you want to do as well as you can against the course,’’ Keenan said. “If you get caught up in other players, you stop concentrating on your own game and you will start shooting poorly.

“I don’t think I will catch Michael, but my goal of being under par is still within reach.’’

Todd Elliott had the second-best round on Sunday with a 2-under 70, followed by Matt Green with a 71.

Wheeler and Terry Hoffman (80) share the second-round lead in the senior division with 152s, while Andy Bott (80) leads the junior division with a 155.

The third round of the Danville City and Area Tournament is Saturday at Turtle Run, beginning at 10 a.m.