Southern Amateur: Main, Fox tied for lead
PALM HARBOR, FL -- UCLA All-American Gregor Main and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox are tied for the lead at the midpoint of the 105th Southern Amateur at Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course. Paired together during the first two rounds, Main and Fox came to the final hole on Thursday tied for the lead.
Fox hit his approach to within six inches for a tap-in birdie to nose in front momentarily, but Main matched him with an 8-foot birdie as they both completed the first 36 holes at 6-under-par 136. University of Georgia All-American Harris English is one stroke back.
Main is gunning for his second Southern Am title, having won two years ago in Memphis. The stocky Fox, 24, has seen his power game come together this year, winning two of the three top amateur tournaments in his homeland.
“It was fun out there swapping birdies with Gregor,” said Fox. “I got the putter going today.” But it was his long driving that overpowered Copperhead’s par-fives with birdies on three of the four. Fox and Main both plan to turn pro later this year.
The field was cut to the low 66 and ties for the final 36 holes Friday and Saturday. The winner earns an automatic invitation to compete in the PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational next spring in Orlando.
ABOUT THE
Southern Amateur
The Southern Amateur, which dates back to 1902, is
one of two competitions held by the Southern Golf
Association (the other is the Southern Junior). This
is a 72-hole stroke play championship with a cut
made after 36 holes. Entries are open to any male
amateur golfer who has a current USGA Handicap
Index® not exceeding 3.4 under the USGA Handicap
System. Non-exempt players must pre-qualify at
one of the qualifying sites held across the southern
U.S. in the two months leading up to the
championship.
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