Harvey takes lead at George C. Thomas as he aims for four-peat

After two days at Los Angeles Country Club, the mid-amateur division of the George C. Thomas Invitational has a familiar leader. Scott Harvey has put together a two-day total of 2-under 193 for a three-shot lead in an event at which he is trying to defend his title.

Harvey, who had 4-under 67 on Friday, hasn’t just won one of these things, however. He’s won the event the past three years. This year, perhaps, he brings in better momentum than ever before. Already this spring, Harvey won the Coleman Invitational at Seminole Golf Club, and shortly after that combined with Todd Mitchell to win the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball at Bandon Dunes.

First-round leaders Jeronimo Esteve of Windermere, Fla., and Taylor Haden of Los Angeles are now three strokes back of the leader.

In the senior championship, Mike Rowley of San Luis Obispo, Calif., has put together two solid rounds of golf to take the lead with a 1-over 143. Mark Sear had a 69 for the low round of the day in his division and sits only one stroke behind Rowley heading into the final round.

The second day of the event brought a new look to the competition with the mid-amateurs playing to a par 71 and the seniors playing to a par 72. The updated course setup for the second round provided some great new challenges as well as opportunities for success.