American ‘Covers’ Alacran Ja Open lead

American Patrick Cover shot an impressive four-under-par round of 68 to take sole leadership after day two of the Alacran Jamaica Open at the Tryall Golf Course in Hanover.

The day one co-leader Cover followed up his opening round 69 for a two day seven under par total of 137. That’s one shot better than compatriot David Morland, who shot another three under par round of 69 to lie in second place at six-under 138.

Overnight co-leader Canadian Thomas Demarco has fallen back to third place following his one under par second round 71 for a two-day total of four under par 140.

Cover got off to a hot start, rattling in five birdies and an eagle on the front nine making the turn at seven under par. However, he would drop shots on holes 10, 12 and a double bogey on the 18th hole for three over par back nine.

GOOD POSITION

Despite the dip in form towards the end, the American was pleased with his round heading into today’s final round.

“Thursday was tough and windy, Friday was still a little breezy but not as much,” Cover said. “I was playing like three clubs for the wind on Thursday. On Friday was more like one or two clubs, but I played well. I just had a bad finish on the last hole but I am still in a good position for the rest of the tournament.”

In the meantime, Jamaica’s Wesley Brown fared a little bit better on Friday’s second day as he shot a one-under-par 71 to follow up his opening-round even-par 72.

Brown is still tied for eighth place with his total of one-under-par 143. However, he will have to play out of his skin come today’s final day as he is six shots off the lead.

“Every time I tee it up, I want to do well for Jamaica,” Brown said. “Patience is going to be the key. If I can stay patient, I will be fine.”

The next best Jamaican in the professional field is Ewan Peebles who is tied for 28th place with his two-day total of 153.

There was a bit of drama in the closing stages of the amateur section as national junior champion Justin Burrowes assumed the overall lead, this after American leader Owen Roberts was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard.

Burrowes followed up his opening round 76 with a three-over-par 75 for a seven-over par total of 151. Compatriot William Knibb is right in the mix as he is just one shot off the lead following his five over par second round for a total of eight-over par 152.

Antigua’s Charles Wilston and Jamaica’s Sean Morris rounds out the top three following their total 10 over par 154.