36-hole co-leaders Joseph Deraney (L) and Justin Kaplan (R)
(Carlton Woods Invitational Photo)

Playing in his first career Carlton Woods Invitational, Deraney started his second round slowly with a front nine 3-over 39 that included six bogeys and also fortunately a birdie and an eagle on the par-5 8th that helped keep his round afloat.

Although Deraney, who won three AmateurGolf.com Ranking events last year, bogeyed the 9th and 12th hole his day did start to turn around following the eagle, as he also birdied Nos. 16 and 18 on the way home.

Kaplan was able to put together a solid even-par front nine with a birdie and a bogey, however on the way home he had to work hard to stay in front. Following four consecutive pars to begin the side, Kaplan double-bogeyed the 14th before bogeying the 15th to fall to 3-over for the round. Unfazed, Kaplan responded with 16th hole birdie.

Heading into the final round it is Heath Myers in third place at 2-under, Derek Busby in fourth place at even-par and Jess Bonneau in fifth at 1-over.

Defending champion Colby Harwell is sharing ninth at 5-over.