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CROSSVILLE, Tenn. -- Adeena (Shears) Wilcox is entering new territory as a golfer competing outside West Virginia.
A total of 18 holes stand between her and a possible first title since making her professional debut several weeks ago.
Friday at the Tennessee Women's Open, Wilcox turned in her second consecutive round of even par 72 and leads the field by one stroke over four women tied for second place at 1-over 145.
"It's pretty cool to be the one the other golfers are after," Wilcox said. "I have not been in this position very much outside of events played in West Virginia. I don't know whether I like being the one chased or being the chaser. We will know more after (Saturday's) final round what position I like better."
Despite identical scores, the first two rounds have been a stark contrast of each other. On Thursday, Wilcox shot 4-over on the front nine then opened the back nine with four consecutive birdies as part of a 4-under performance for the final nine holes.
"It was unbelievable," Wilcox said. "My brother Chance was my caddy and jokingly said, 'let's just birdie the last nine holes.' He would make that comment at the start of each hole. I'm a little bit superstitious, and the one hole he didn't say anything about making a birdie I bogeyed the hole.
"I don't think I have ever birdied four straight holes before. I don't recall. Chance played a big part helping read putts."
On Friday, Wilcox made par on the first 15 holes, bogeyed the 16th hole then answered with a crucial birdie on the par 4, 17th.
"The course played tough - the pins were in dreadful positions," Wilcox said. "Before my shots into the green, I had to think where to put the ball to give me a good chance for par, if not for birdie.
"I was a little frustrated after missing a 3-footer on No. 16. On 17, I went for the pin even though I didn't know I had a pretty tight landing area until I got up towards the green. I was off the green with about 9 feet to work with. For my birdie putt, it went right to left with a pretty decent break.
"From what I remembered the day before on that hole, the pin was in a lot better place. It was just kind. The pin placements made me play more conservative today. Sometimes that's the best way to play. Play smart."
At stake for Saturday's final round, is a total purse of $20,000. Wilcox placed in a tie for ninth place in her professional debut at the Michigan PGA Women's Open and received a check for $2,200.
"Playing professionally, you definitely have a different mindset going into tournaments," Wilcox said. "I discovered I like playing this game where you can earn money from it. I liked it before, but this is a huge perk.
"The main focus for the final round is to let the rest of the field make mistakes. I tell myself that you are not making them. Play a steady game and see where that takes you."
Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com