Matt Naumec (David Colt photo for Mass. G.A.)
OSTERVILLE, Mass. – Matt Naumec of GreatHorse fired a 5-under par 67 on Thursday at Oyster Harbors Club to grab a three shot lead going to the final round of the 49th Francis Ouimet Memorial Tournament.
His 136 total marked the second consecutive year he led after two rounds. Oyster Harbors played at 6,439yardswith a par of 36-36-72.The final round of the prestigious 54-hole amateur invitational is today at Woodland Golf Club.The first round was played at Hyannisport Club on Wednesday.
Naumec felt he played “pretty solid,”and his game is close to being “right there.” He had six birdies overall. The Boston College sophomore finished in a tie for 2ndin the 2015 Ouimet, and was a recent quarterfinalist in the MGA Amateur Championship.
Veteran Doug Clapp of Old Sandwich was tied for second with Elon College sophomore Jacob Leavitt of Maryland at 139. Clapp, who has finished in the top five in the Ouimet several times, started with three straight birdies, the third of which was nearly a hole-in-one at the third hole.
Leavitt learned about the Ouimet Tournament last year from hisElon College roommate, Ouimet Scholar Charlie May.He alsostarted three under through three holes, but had to overcome a pair of three putts enroute to his 70.
Joe Walker of Dennis Pines felt he played “a bit spotty and lost concentration in the heat,” but hung for a 73 after an opening 71 for a 144 total and three shot lead in the Eddie Lowery Senior Division. Walker, a former MGA Senior Champ, lost in a playoff in the 2013 Ouimet to fellow Dennis Pines player Kevin Carey.
Dave Houghton of The Captains is second.Friday’s play will also include a Women’s Division featuring six invitees in an 18-hole competition.A total of 41players made the Championship cut, which stood at 147, the lowest ever.
ABOUT THE Francis Ouimet Memorial
This 54-hole stroke play tournament honors
Francis Ouimet, considered America's First
Golf
Hero and one of the most important figures in
the history of golf. His victory in the 1913
U.S. Open in a stunning playoff upset of
Harry Vardon and Ted Ray is viewed as the
turning point in American Golf. The event, first
played in 1968, one year
after Ouimet's death, is held at
three top Boston-area courses, with the final round
always taking place at the 6,721 yard Woodland Golf
Club (Mr.
Ouimet's home course). The most notable winner to
date is Brad Faxon,
who captured the 1980 event. There are three
divisions: Men, Women, and Senior.
View Complete Tournament Information