Barnes three shots off lead at Dothan Classic

Once nicknamed “Baby John Daly” for similarities on and off the golf course to the controversial PGA golfer, Kurt Barnes is now a bit slimmer and wiser as he makes a name for himself on the NGA Hooters Tour.

After leading the first two rounds of the Dothan Classic at Highland Oaks, Barnes is now three strokes back of the leader after shooting an even-par-72 on Saturday.

While there was a time Barnes may have lost his composure after a bogey or two, now he’s learning to stay focused on his gameplan.

“Normally, I’d get frustrated and try to muscle my way around the golf course,” Barnes said. “But I stuck to my gameplan. I’m playing good, so why change?”

David Skinns of Lincoln, England, is in the lead after firing a third-round 67 for a three-day 201, two strokes ahead of Shawn Stefani of Baytown, Texas. Five strokes off the pace are Christian Ries of Columbus, Ga., who shot a 67 on Saturday, and Jeff Coor of Longwood, Fla., who shot a 68.

Todd Bailey of Spanish Fort is in contention after a 67 on Saturday to pull within six strokes, as is Joe Lamielle of Sarasota, Fla., also at 207.

Barnes, a 27-year-old Australia native, birdied No. 16 after a bogey on No. 15, then finished with a birdie on No. 18 to enter today’s final round in good position.
The strong finish is a good illustration of the maturity he gained in recent years as he distances himself from the Daly comparisons.

Like Daly, Barnes has a stout physique and can really rip the ball. He also used to consume a good bit of alcohol at times, another trait Daly has been known for.

“I didn’t want that image,” Barnes said. “I had a son born three years ago and that gave me a new lease on life. I couldn’t just go out and have just two beers. It was either none or too many (in the past).

“I just changed my lifestyle and realized I had to start working and not just rely on my natural ability.”

Barnes said being a long hitter works in his favor on the Highland Oaks course, but the real secret to success is how one plays around the green.

“This course is all about how you putt,” Barnes said.

Stefani started strong and stayed consistent during his round of 68 to move into second place. He had birdies on holes 3, 4, 9, 10 and 16.

“I kept it in play and didn’t hit hardly any bad shots,” Stefani said. “I stayed patient and had some fun. I’m just going to go out there and have as much fun as I can Sunday.”

Skinns, the current money leader on the Hooters Tour, had six birdies in his round of 67 on Saturday to take over the lead. He had birdies on holes 1, 4, 6, 7, 16 and 18.

Today’s final round begins at 7 a.m. with the leaders teeing off at 8:40.