Jess Daley Edges Out American Bryan Saltus at Telus Vancouver Open

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:19:16

VANCOUVER, BC_ Bryan Saltus of Costa Mesa, CA has as laid-back an attitude as you will find in professional golf, at that attitude has him within one shot of the lead heading into the final round of the Canadian Tour's TELUS Vancouver Open.

The 5'10, 165-pound Saltus shot a 2-under par 70 at Point Grey Golf and Country Club Saturday, for a three-round total of 206, leaving him tied with Roger Tambellini (Templeton, CA), one stroke behind Jess Daley of Chicago, IL. Defending Order of Merit champion Steven Alker (New Zealand) is two shots behind Daley, while Jamie Welder of Calgary, AB is just three off
the pace.

Saltus, who has attended, by his count, 153 Grateful Dead concerts, seems to enjoy the camaraderie he shares with the galleries, often chatting with them between shots and offering the kind of enthusiasm that is so rare to find out on the course.

"How could I not connect with the crowd," Saltus wondered after play Saturday. "I try to get the crowd into the game-to see everyone laughing and having a good time is great. They have paid their money, so let's show them a good time."

On the final hole, Saltus, who went to Whistler after his round Thursday and barely made it back in time for play the following day, had a chance to go to 11-under for the tournament, but just missed a six-foot putt. Still,
he feels relaxed heading into Sunday's final round.

"This course is in such great shape, even if you shoot just decent you have a chance of being near the top. I had some bad tee shots today, because I was talking to people almost right up until the time I hit. I'll have to
stop that Sunday of I am going to have a chance."

Welder, 26, feels he is in an ideal spot entering the final day.

"I don't feel like there is any pressure on me at all-I've never been in this position before. I'll take it one shot at a time and see what happens."