Argentina's Schonbaum rises to top of Coleman leaderboard

Organizers of the George L. Coleman Invitational have committed to making the prestigious mid-amateur and senior event at Seminole Golf Club about showcasing worldwide talent. As the field expanded internationally this year, Andres Schonbaum is validating the decision. Through two rounds, the Argentinian holds a three-shot lead over a group of three players that includes two past U.S. Mid-Amateur champions. Schonbaum, an Argentine Amateur semifinalist, is 2 under after opening rounds of 70-72. Meanwhile, Stewart Hagestad, Scott Harvey and Matt Broome all sit at 1-over 145 heading into Saturday’s final round. Hagestad won the 2016 U.S. Mid-Amateur, while Harvey won in 2014. Another large group sits at 2-over 146. That includes reigning Mid-Amateur champion Kevin O’Connell, who is just two weeks removed from playing the Masters, and another international player, Japan’s Yutaka Toyoshima. Scott Anderson, Patrick Christovich and 2017 U.S. Mid-Amateur champion Matt Parziale are also at that number. First-round leader Skip Berkmeyer followed an opening 69 with 81 and dropped to a share of 18th. In the senior division, five players are tied for the lead at 2-over 146. Chip Lutz, Doug Hanzel, Steve Harwell, Jeff Knox and Gene Elliott all top off the leaderboard. Jupiter native Adam Armagost, who caddies at Seminole, and Jack Hall are both one shot back at 147.