PEBBLE BEACH, CA (July 8, 2017) - Daniel Connolly, a rising sophomore at SMU University, shot a two-under 69 to extend his lead to five shots heading into the final round of the Northern California Stroke Play Championship at Poppy Hills Golf Course.
In round one, Connolly had the low round by three shots, a three-under 68. On Saturday he again had the low round in the field, with an unusual round that consisted of seventeen pars and an eagle on the par-five ninth hole.
The 2016 San Francisco City champion, Connolly will start the final round five shots ahead of AmateurGolf.com member Anthony Madrid (71-71=142), and six ahead of Derek Ackerman (72-71=143).
If anyone is going to catch Connolly, it would seem to have to be those two players, as the next group of players on the leaderboard are nine shots back. Bradley Vu, Finigan Tilly and Ian Oehlschlaeger are all tied for fourth at four-over 146.
The only other players to break par on day two were Connor Blick and Bradley Reeves, each shooting a one-under 70.
The top 40 and ties survived the cut and will play the final round on Sunday. The cut fell at 11-over 153. The 2014 champion Bobby Bucey was among those missing the cut.
Connolly Extends His Lead at NCGA Stroke Play
Daniel Connolly's lead grows from three to five after a second-round 69 at Poppy Hills