California’s John Sawin eyes his approach to the 18th green Thursday during Round 2 of the Northeast Amateur.
Jolly, of LSU and an Alabama resident, backed up his 2-under par 67 on Wednesday with another 67 Thursday. He carded three birdies and a bogey in his opening round, doing one better, or worse, in each category on Day 2.
Jolly’s lead over the rest went from a single shot to three at the mid-way mark of the 53rd annual event. Oregon resident Hans Reimers was the only one of four players who shared second after Round 1 to remain their spot Thursday. He shot an even par round of 69 to stay at 1-under for the event.
California’s Kurt Kitayama dropped a shot in Round 2 to finish even through 36 holes. He shares third with Georgia’s Seth Reeves, who posted 68 Thursday. Four players share fifth at 1-over, 139.
Jolly and Reeves were but just eight players in the 88-man field to finish the second round in the red. Louisiana resident Patrick Christovich was the day’s medallist, carding a 3-under 66 to move into a share of 14th place at 3-over after posting a 75 on his opening 18 Wednesday. Christovich birdied five holes and bogeyed a pair.
Wannamoisett’s own Charlie Blanchard leads the local contingent, adding a 71 to the 74 he carded the previous day to sit in a share of 41st at 7-over.
His club mate, Bobby Leopold also shot 71 Thursday to reach the half-way point at 10-over, T64. Reigning state amateur champ and Metacomet member Brad Valois shot 74 in Round 2 to finish at 11-over, T74. City native Dan Blessing struggled to an 84 Thursday, leaving him at 25-over for the tournament and alone in 88th place.
