Trio pull away at Wayne County Amateur

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on July 12, 2009 12:15 AM

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After two days of near-perfect conditions and low scores, three players have risen above the rest at the 11th annual Wayne County Mens Amateur.

Jonathan Burke and Scott Woodard are currently leading the pack at eight under par while Ryan Campbell sits just two strokes back.

Burke fired an opening round 67 at Goldsboro Municipal Golf Course on Friday and followed it with a 68 in the morning round at Walnut Creek Country Club on Saturday.

"I hit 32 out of 36 greens in regulation over the first two days," Burke said. "Any time you are hitting the greens with that type of consistency you are going to score."

As he hit post-round practice balls, Burke wasn't sure where he would stand going into Sunday's final round at Southern Wayne Country Club. Campbell and Woodard each were given afternoon tee-times on Saturday.

"I really expect Ryan to go out and shoot a 67 and take the lead," Burke said. "He has the game to do it and he has been playing really well lately."

As it turned out, Woodard was the player that emerged from the chase pack during the mid-day hours. The Mount Olive College standout put together a six-under round of 66 at Walnut Creek and drew even.

Woodard and Burke's matching 135 totals are a record for the lowest score in amateur history after two days.

Along with Campbell, who caught fire late in his round on Saturday, the leaders have an experienced chase pack nipping at their heels.

Clark Rose sits alone in fourth place, six shots off the lead. Brad Jones will open the final round in fifth place, nine shots off the pace.

"All you can do is play your ball and try to put up a low number," Jones said. "If I can go out and shoot 64 or 65 maybe that will be good enough to get back in it."

With four players in red numbers entering the final round this year's amateur is almost certain to have an exciting finish. The final pairing is scheduled to tee off at 2:06 p.m. today.

Defending open division champion Lionel Sutton was forced to withdraw on Friday with a back injury that halted his round after just nine holes.

In the senior division Glenn Campbell and John Zambelli are deadlocked after two rounds. Each player carded a two-day total of 148. Parry Baltzglier, Robert Brown and Mario Contreras are all just one stroke back. Doug Vinson sits alone in fifth place, two strokes out.

"I really feel like this is the most competitive field we have ever had," tournament organizer Parker King said. "We have good races in each division and Sunday is shaping up to be an exciting round for everybody."

In the super-senior division Howard Tyndall set the pace during the first two days by playing even par golf. Tyndall's consistent rounds of 71 and 72 were good enough to earn him a three stroke lead over Chuck Kimble. Perenial contenders John Newsome, Joe McLamb and Charlie Waters are all within striking distance.