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Walker Jr takes one-shot lead at NAGC

Published:Sunday | July 19, 2020 | 12:38 AMLennox Aldred - Sunday Gleaner Writer
Defending champion Justin Burrowes.
Defending champion Justin Burrowes.

Sebert Walker Jr stepped up his game on the second day of the National Amateur Golf Championship, as his even-par round pushed him to the top of the leaderboard in the 0-6 handicap category at the Half Moon Golf Course yesterday.

Walker Jr, who was tied for the lead heading into the second day, carded two birdies and a bogey on the back nine in his even-par 72 to add to his Day One score of 73 for a two-day total of 145.

Defending champion Justin Burrowes is right on the heels of Walker Jr, one shot back in second place, as his even-par second round of 72 combined for a two- day total of 146 following his opening-round score of 74.

Burrowes’s hot putter saw him carding seven birdies in the second round. However, his aggressive play also saw him recording five bogeys and a double bogey on the day.

opening round boost

Overnight leader William Knibb fell down the leaderboard following his two-over-par second round, to add to his opening round 73.

Day One joint leader Rocco Lopez, along with Sean Morris, both recorded three over-par rounds to lie in fourth and fifth, respectively.

Walker Jr, who rattled in seven straight pars on the front nine, says he is hoping for his putter to get hotter on today’s final day, as he aims to hold on to seal the title.

“I had a solid day today and I thought I was quite consistent. I couldn’t really get anything going for the most part but I will be looking to fire a little bit more in the final round and hopefully get more birdies and make use of them,” said Walker Jr.

Burrowes who had to play catch up in the second round is also pleased with his overall game heading into the final round.

“I started off pretty rough being five-over through four holes but I had seven birdies after that. I felt like I was playing well and I just made some bad decisions early but overall I am pretty happy with the round,” said Burrowes.

Meanwhile, in the Men’s 7-12 handicap category, Kemar Brown and Shemar Wilson are tied for the lead following two-day scores of 157.