CARTERSVILLE (Ga.) – Joe Lyons, along with his countrymen, are just 18 holes from a win at the Golfweek International Senior Invitational.
Lyons’ lead of three strokes at 6 under was maintained despite his second round 2-over 73. Cartersville Country Club played longer in round two due to intermittent rain. Scoring was more important. Lyons was able to adapt his skills from home to the Bermuda grass that he is not familiar with.
“I’m no newbie to Bermuda,” Lyons said Golfweekspan size=”font-weight 400 ;”>. “I’ve got an idea. Although I am more comfortable with Bermuda grass, I wouldn’t call myself a pro. I’m basically just hitting bunker shots and trying to convince my self .”
What is something Lyons knows better? Leading.
It’s hard to be alone in front when you are out. I’ve been a winner in events at home. You’re in the lead, so it’s hard to sleep on that. You know that the statistics are bad for those who follow a low-scoring round, but I am very pleased with today’s score .”
Lyons is a champion who has the ability to close out championships. However, it’s a tough game plan to implement.
“Play like yesterday”
Both Utah’s Shane McMillan, and Oklahoma’s Michael Hughett are at 3 under. Bob Royak (2 below) and Mike Combs (one under) are the two members of ‘The Georgia Mafia” who follow them. Wes McNulty (under) is hoping to help Team Arkansas overturn Ireland’s lead.
On Saturday, every shot will be crucial. Three players are tied for seventh place at even par. Another six players are only seven shots behind Lyons.
Team Arkansas has a small lead of one shot after the second round.
McNulty’s (69) and Stan Payne’s (70) scores were used to count the rounds of all three Arkansas players. Gordy McKeown shot a 1-under-par 71, moving him into the top-10 at 1-under for the championship.
Bob Royak’s Georgia team, one of five teams in the field (even), is three behind Ireland. South Carolina (1 over), and California (2 under) complete the top five. Five other teams are within 8 shots of the leader.
The final round should be a lot of fun with the cool, breezy, and sunny weather that is expected on Saturday.
Golf Genius has live scoring (GGID:23GWISI).
