University of Texas sophomore Beau Hossler's 2-under par 70 in Friday's third round has him in the lead at 8-under 208 at the 108th annual Southern Amateur Golf Championship at The Honors in Ooltewah.
Two shots back is Virginia Tech All-ACC performer Trevor Cone from Concord, N.C. South Carolina's Will Starke nailed a 7-iron approach to within two inches of the final hole for a rain-soaked birdie that left him three back at 211.
Tied for the lead at the time and
facing a 100-yard shot into the lake-guarded, par-4 ninth hole at the Honors
Course on Friday, University of Texas star sophomore Beau Hossler said he was
just trying to take the spin off his wedge approach to keep it from backing into
the water. Instead, it took one hop and backed into the cup for an eagle two
that separated him from the packed leaderboard in the 108th Southern
Amateur.
Hossler, from Mission Viejo, Calif., said it was a
tough day, with constant rain adding to the challenges of The Honors Course.
"It's nice to be leading, but I can't go out tomorrow and play an average round
to win. This course is tough enough without the pressure and the strong
field."
Local Player: Chattanooga's Keith Mitchell shot a 1-over 73 Friday and is 14 shots off the lead at +6, 222.
Defending Champion: Oklahoma State sophomore Zach Olsen (Cordova, Tenn.) is at 8+, 224(76-75-73) ... He played prep golf at Memphis University School.
Second Round Leader Withdraws: The pressure was too much, apparently, for 36-hole
co-leader Greyson Murray of Raleigh, N.C. Frustrated by several missed
short putts, Murray suffered a lost ball drive into the woods on the 17th hole
and promptly withdrew despite being 1-under par for the tournament with a full
round left to play on Saturday.
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108th Southern Amateur, 3rd
Round Leaders
The Honors Course, Ooltewah, Tenn.; Par
72, 7,155 yards.
Beau
Hossler, Mission Viejo Calif.…..70-68-70--208
Trevor Cone, Raleigh
N.C. .................68-72-70--210
Will Starke, Chapin
S.C. …………….70-69-72--211
Geoff Drakeford,
Australia…………68-74-70--212
M.J. Masguire, St. Pete
Fla................69-72-72--213
Victor Perez, Albuquerque,
NM.......72-70-71--213
Jorge Garcia, Miami
Fla....................74-71-69--214
A.J. Crouch, Jacksonville
Fla............74-69-72--215
Alex Cusumano, St. Louis
Mo. ……..72-68-75--215