Gaston Bertinotti is two shots clear after 36 holes
(Carolinas Golf Association photo)

"I had a good start," said Bertinotti after finishing the second round of play in first, finishing three-under 69, seven-under 137 overall through two rounds." "I hit the ball pretty solid today compared to yesterday." While he made five birdies, he felt he could have converted more. "I could not get putts rolling in [on the back nine]. I missed a good opportunity on nine and 10, and that got me out of a mood."

Pressure will be added tomorrow to perform well, as he tries to capture the 2nd Carolinian Amateur championship on his home course. "Everyone around here knows you, so you want to do well. I think it is going to be fun , hopefully it will work out," said Bertinotti.

Quinn Tardif of Charlotte, N.C. finished second round of one-under 71 and is five-under 139 through two rounds just two shots back of Bertinotti. "All in all I hit pretty well today, said Tardif. "I have a lot to build on going into tomorrow. I just have to keep doing what I am doing and hopefully get some putts to fall."

Trey Burton of Hickory, N.C., sits in a tie for third place after finishing one-under 71, three-under 141 overall through two rounds.. "I was able to hit fairways and greens all day long", said Burton. He attributes being conservative as the key to getting good approach shots for easy birdie putts. "I have got to keep pushing for fairways and greens, play conservative, and a couple birdies will drop." Brett McLamb of Coats, N.C. also hit one-under 71, three-under 141 through two rounds.