Patrick Christovich

Christovich held the lead following an even-par 72 in Thursday's first round and camep back to go 3-under on Friday. He now leads by three shots over four players at even par 144.

Reigning U.S. Mid-Amateur champion Mike McCoy and the man he beat in the final match, Billy Williamson, are tied for second along with Kris Mikkelsen and R.J. Nakashian. McCoy, of course, won the Coleman last year.

Continuing his solid play, Christovich could run away with the title. A longtime force in national mid-amateur events, the New Orleans resident recently finished tied for third at the Azalea. Last year, he was 12th at the Coleman, tied for sixth at the Crane Cup and Birmingham National Invitational.

Kevin Marsh, Scott Harvey and Skip Berkmeyer are all tied for seventh place, sitting just five shots back entering the final round.

Other notable players near the top half of the leaderboard include: Gene Elliott (76-72, T14), John Sawin (73-75, T14), Nick Gilliam (76-74, T22), Trip Kuehne (83-69, 25th).

The George L. Coleman Invitational is one of the year's top events. Played at the Donald Ross-designed Seminole Golf Club, the Coleman features a loaded field featuring many of the world's top mid-amateurs and seniors.