Brilliant young Australian Karl Vilips has maintained his share of the lead at the midway point of the Southern Open.
Victorian Vilips, still just 15, carded another six birdies on the Country Club of North Carolina’s Dogwood Course, eventually signing for a four-under-par 68 the day after his opening 65 gave him a share of the opening-round lead.
His 11-under total booked him a spot in the final group in tomorrow’s third round with joint leader Stoney Crouch, of Tennessee, and Lloyd Jefferson Go, of the Philippines, who’s one off the pace.
Recent runner-up at Britain’s The Amateur Championship, New South Welshman Dylan Perry put aside an illness that hampered his first round with a 68 to leap to a share of sixth at seven under.
“I’m feeling better today. The doctor did say it would go away in a day or two,” Perry said, all but confirming his improving chances.
Queensland pair Charlie Dann (75) and Shae Wools-Cobb (74) fell flat in the second round to finish at two under and one under, respectively.
Adelaide’s Lachie Barker fired a 71 to join Wools-Cobb, while Victorian Blake Collyer roared home with an inward 33 to make the cut on the number at even par after his second-round 69.
Meanwhile, on the west coast, Victorian David Micheluzzi fell from the leaderboard at the Pacific Coast Amateur with a third-round 77 at Chambers Bay, host of the 2015 US Open.
Micheluzzi is now nine shots behind leader Hayden Springer with a round to play.