Andy Zhang, Andrew McCain Second Round Co-Leaders at Terra Cotta Invitational
Andy Zhang looks to keep things rolling after Azalea Invitational win
(Golfweek.com Photo)
NAPLES, FL (April 16, 2016)--First round leader Andrew McCain and Andy Zhang share the lead at 3-under-par after the first two rounds of the Terra Cotta Invitational at Naples National Golf Club. Zhang is in search of his second consecutive Major of Amateur Golf win after winning the Azalea Invitational at the beginning of April. Six golfers begin tomorrow's final round within four of the lead.
McCain followed up his first round 5-under 67 with a round two 2-over 74. The Jacksonville, FL resident started the day with seven straight pars before carding bogeys on No's. 8 and 10. After another string of even-par golf McCain bogeyed 16 and moved to 3-over for the day. However, a day after birding five holes McCain was able to end a disappointing day on a positive note with a birdie on the 17th.
Following a Friday 1-under 71 Andy Zhang began the day four-stokes off the pace but quickly made his move. Zhang bogeyed No. 2 but then rattled off three birdies on the front nine to get to 3-under-par for the tournament and tie for the lead. Zhang, a Florida commit, got as low as 4-under with a birdie on No. 13 before bogeying the ensuing hole and finishing with a second round 2-under-par 70.
McCain and Zhang will carry a two-stoke lead into tomorrow's final round with a trifecta of players hot on their heels. East Carolina senior Chris Hickman, Houston commit Tony Gil and Houston's redshirt freshman Matt Williams are all at 1-under and tied for third.
Hickman shot a second round 70 with three birdies and a bogey to follow up his 1-over-par first round 73. Gil fired a day two 71 after an even-par 72 on Friday. Three straight birdies on holes 6-8 got Gil to -3 for the tournament but three bogeys and birdie on homeward nine moved him back into the T3 position.
Matt Williams the final player just two back has coupled rounds of 74-69 during the first 36-holes. Saturday's 69 was the best round of the day and saw Williams card six birdies and three bogeys.
Andrew Kozan will begin the final 18 three back at even-par and in solo sixth.
ABOUT THE
Terra Cotta Invitational
54-hole stroke play tournament with no cut.
Caddies are required. A Sponsor/Contestant
tournament is held before the event.
The Terra Cotta is an invitational. However,
they do
encourage applications and players can submit
their
golf resume for consideration.
View Complete Tournament Information