Marsh has two-shot lead at Stocker Cup

CARMEL, Calif. (October 25, 2013) - Defending champion Kevin Marsh made a statement Friday afternoon at The Preserve GC.

The defending three-time Stocker Cup champion posted a second-round 6-under 66 to take a two- shot lead into tomorrow's final round. The 40- year-old went out with a five-under 31 that severely threatened Dave Nelson's course record of 65. But two back-nine bogeys (10 and 13) kept that record safe, at least for another day.

"The weather was perfect today, and other than a bad shot where I went for 13 in two and didn't make it, I played pretty well," Marsh said. "This course fits my eye and I love driving it here. I always feels comfortable." Marsh is seeking to become the all-time leader in Stocker Cup wins with four. A victory would also represent his fourth win in five years.

First-round co-leader John Sawin posted a 71 to go 3-under for the championship. That score placed him second and earned a spot in the last group in tomorrow's final round. The San Francisco GC member has won the Merion GC club championship numerous times.

Playing in the same group with Marsh was one of the other former Stocker Cup champions in the field, Joe Sanders. The Incline Village resident opened yesterday with an even par 72, but followed in the second round with a strong two- under 70. "I felt like I got lapped," the 39-year old said regarding his pairing with Marsh. "But I do need to convert more. I gave myself chances."

Tied with Sanders in third place is 57-year-old Brady Exber who carded a consecutive 71 despite a lost ball. Exber leads the race for the Tatum Trophy, for competitors aged 50 and older. Exber and Sanders are three back.

Brian Harris of Carmel, Indiana is in fifth place. The six-time U.S. Mid-Amateur participant is one under for the championship.

The other first-round co-leaders, Jim Lehman and Ryan Abbate, were unable to maintain their momentum generated in the first round.

In the Ruth Stocker Barry Flight, first-round leader Mike Machette posted 31 points in the modified Stableford format to lead Matt Pingatore by three points in the gross flight. Erik Stocker, Mark Flynn and John Nichols are four back. Machette also leads the net flight by two over Kevin McQuillan and Steve Hoffman, both of the host Preserve GC.

The championship concludes with the final round tomorrow.