36-hole leader Matt Parziale (MGA photo)

With a two-round score of 8-under par 134, Parziale currently holds an 11-stroke lead over the field through 36 holes and with 18 holes remaining on Thursday.

“I feel good and played well today,” said Parziale. “I made a lot of good short putts like I did yesterday and that has been something I can lean on. I missed a few greens coming in, but I was able to get up and down.”

The reigning Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year Championship is seeking what would be his first MGA Championship title.

“That is what we are here for,” said Parziale, a winner of the 2015 Norfolk County Classic and 2015 Worcester County Amateur. “You love to compete, and obviously there is nothing better than winning.”

It would be seemingly difficult to match a first-round 67 that featured a double eagle “2” on the 8th hole, but Parziale did just that on Wednesday by posting a bogey-free 4-under par 67. He is not only the lone player under par for both rounds, but is also the only one to post a single under-par round this week.

“I probably hit the best shot of my life yesterday so I don’t know if I can say that I played better today,” said Parziale. “They were pretty similar rounds, but I hit a couple closer today. I hit a few more greens and had a few more chances. I putted really well both days.”

On this day, Parziale began his second round with four straight pars before he sent his 6-iron approach on the 218-yard, par 4 5th hole to three feet for birdie. He went on to make birdie on the 8th hole, which no doubt felt like a letdown after he made double eagle there one day prior.

“I hit a bad tee shot and was lucky to make birdie,” said Parziale. “I think that I had 8 iron in … and made a good putt.”

He would play flawless golf throughout the day and carded two birdies on the back nine. He two putted from 35 feet on the 465-yard, par 5 13th hole and then sunk a 6-foot putt on the 375-yard, par 4 17th hole.

“I am just playing pretty conservatively off the tees,” said Parziale. “I am hitting good 3 irons off the tee. I hit a few bad 3 woods but recovered with some good irons. I am keeping it below the hole and have been putting well. The greens are awesome so you can make some putts.”

On the final day, Parziale will be paired with Jesse Morgan (Amherst GC) and nine-time winner of this event Frank Vana, Jr. (Marlborough CC).

“It is another round,” said Parziale. “I am lucky that I put myself in a good position going into tomorrow, but there is still a lot of golf left.”

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