Smith Grabs Lead in Spring Creek Classic

Gordonsville, VA- Former Colgate standout Jesse Smith fired a 5-under-par 67 in the second round of the Tarheel Tour’s Spring Creek Classic to take a two shot lead over a pair of players heading into tomorrow’s final round.

Smith, who started the day a shot back, parred his first six holes before catching fire and with birdies on seven of his next nine holes to reach 13-under-par for the tournament. The Dover, NH native parred the next three holes before a disappointing double-bogey at the par five finishing hole left him at 11-under for the tournament. Nonetheless, he still will carry a two-stroke lead into the final round over former ACC Individual Champion Hank Kim and first round co-leader Andy Bare. Kim backed up his first round 66 with a solid 3-under-par 69 to reach 9-under for the tournament. The N.C. State alum offset two bogeys with five birdies to claim a share of second. Two-time winner in 2008 Andy Bare managed a 2-under-par 70 to join Kim in second place. The Jacksonville, FL resident carded four birdies and two bogeys which left him just two off the pace heading into tomorrow’s final round.

A pair of golfers who have runner-up finishes to their credit this season are in a tie for fourth place just three shots off the lead. Former Clemson Tiger and Northstone Open runner-up Brian Duncan made the biggest move of the day by carding a 7-under-par 65. The Mt. Pleasant, SC resident moved from a tie for 31st place into a tie for fourth with the round of the day. Manor Classic runner-up Scott Weatherly backed up a first round 67 with a 3-under-par 69 to stay in the hunt at 8-under-par. The Fort Payne, AL native made four birdies and just one bogey to join Duncan in a share of fourth. Tarheel Tour leading money winner and first round co-leader David Robinson slipped to a 1-over-par 73, but still has a share of sixth place heading into the final round.

The 7,290 yard Spring Creek course played similarly to how it did in the first round as a light breeze allowed some players to take advantage of the tough but beautifully manicured Ed Carton layout. The second round stroke average was 73.85. The 36-hole cut fell at 2-over-par 146 with 58 players surviving to play in Friday’s final round.

The final round of the Tarheel Tour Spring Creek Classic will begin tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. off the first and tenth tees. The leaders will tee off at approximately 9:30 a.m. Everyone is encouraged to come out and watch the action as the remaining 58 players battle the scenic Spring Creek course for the $124,500 purse and the winner’s share of $20,000. In accordance with all Tarheel Tour events, admission is free and open to the
public.

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