WCMA: Changes atop leaderboard after middle rounds

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on July 9, 2017 1:47 AM

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jhayes@newsargus.com

By and by, the basics.

It's a common refrain amongst tournament golfers when fulfilling post-round media obligations, and was the preferred route of discourse employed by Wayne County Amateur Championship Open Division contenders upon completion of Saturday's second round at Goldsboro Municipal Golf Course.

In terms of describing its play, the trio of first-round leader Jeremy Joyner, 36-hole pace-setter Dane Jones and Brad Jones was calculated, crisp and devoid of wild extrapolation.

Just the facts, sir -- no frills.

Joyner, the 2014 titlist and leader after a 68 in Friday's opening round at Southern Wayne CC, overcame early putting woes by posting three birdies over his final six layouts to card an even-par round of 72.

"I was plus three after 11, and had really hurt myself," Joyner said of his plight. "I struggled with green speed early, but once I got my feel, everything was fine... I'm very pleased with my round."

His effort, which included five birdies, preserved a showdown today at Lane Tree GC with the aforementioned Jonesmen -- each of whom took dedicated routes to the top of the leaderboard.

Dane Jones, a regular contender in county amateur golf affairs, surged to the top of matters after a second-round 68 that was highlighted by 12 fairways hit, 16 greens reached in regulation and six birdies.

His two-day total of 137 leads the field by two shots.

It wasn't enough, however, to prompt the 33-year old to predict a runaway victory -- only caution regarding the task ahead.

"It's the same as the last two days, just keep my mind in it," Jones said of the final round. "Take one shot at a time -- keep it in the fairway and make good rolls at it."

Good advice, no matter the situation.

The last of the trio is Brad Jones, a jolly, never-met-a-stranger type whose endless stream of one-liners seem to have its own fore caddie -- and who can also really play golf.

Over two days, the state trooper has taken an unconventional path to reach 4-under par, and makes no secret about what it will take to emerge the victor this afternoon.

"My short game is what's kept me in it," he noted. "My ball striking has not been the best... (just) struggling a little bit off the tee."

Not enough, however, to prevent him from joining today's final pairing, which doesn't talk a big game -- but certainly plays one.

SUTTON SIZZLES

* Paging Lionel Sutton -- again.

The Senior Division defending champion is making no bones about his intent this weekend, and displayed as much on Saturday with a second-round 67 -- a handy bit of artistry that included four birdies, an eagle and a lone bogey at the 377-yard, par-4 11th.

In a word, stellar.

Sutton's two-day total of 137 leads Jim Hosey (144) and Stan Adams (146). Usual suspects Randy Adams and Chris Morrissey also played themselves into the Sunday fold, carding two-day totals of 147 and 148, respectively.

ZAMBELLI, BROWN TIED

* Some of the championship's best golf thus far has been played in Super Seniors division, which is paced by the duo of John Zambelli and Robert Brown -- both of whom recorded two-day totals of 144.

They are followed by John Grace (149) and Gus Alford (150).

WATTERS, NANCE SHARE SPOT

* Charlie Watters and Mickey Nance are tied atop the Masters Division, with each sporting a two-day total of 153. Lurking four shots in arrears are Jim Sparks (157) and Joe McLamb, who fired a 79 late Saturday to record a 36-hole total of 159.