Harrison Rhoades holds sizable 54-hole NC Amateur Lead

WALLACE, NC (June 16, 2018) - Harrison Rhoades of Raleigh, N.C. once again held onto his lead after the third round of play at the 58th N.C. Amateur Championship. His third round score of even-par, 72, was certainly higher than his previous scores, but kept him at 13-under-par, giving him a seven stroke cushion going into the final day.

The leader after every round so far, Rhoades did not get off to a great start shooting a two-over-par, 38 on the front nine. Rhoades said that his putting wasn't quite where it was the past two days. "The putts just didn't drop today, but that's golf."

Rhoades did say, however, he is still optimistic going into tomorrow. "I feel good. Sometimes it can be hard to handle, but I felt like I dealt with it well today." Said the N.C. State junior, "It felt like I was pretty close to breaking through all day."

Daniel Neveu of Pinehurst, N.C. propelled himself into a tie for second place with a six-under-par, 67 putting him at six-under-par for the tournament.

Neveu credited his ball striking for the strong performance. "I hit the ball really good. When you hit a lot of greens, eventually you make some putts."

Neveu is going into the final round with a relaxed composure. "I'm just too old for this tournament," The 50-year-old joked, "I'm just trying to hang in and see what happens. I guess I'll just take it one hole at a time and try to have fun."

Thomas Owen of Fayetteville, N.C. is nine-under-par in the second and third rounds combined and sits in a tie for second with Neveu. 2016 champion Nick Lyerly of Salisbury, N.C. and Timothy Driver of Holly Springs, N.C. are tied for third at five-under-par.

The North Carolina Amateur Championship is a 72-hole, stroke play event. The field is cut to the top 60 players and ties after 36 holes.