Northeast Amateur: Horschel Retains Lead

RUMFORD, Rhode Island (June 22, 2007) -- Thirty-six hole leader Billy Horschel -- coming off a course record round of 62 -- battled fierce winds and slick greens but retained his lead in the third round of the Northeast Amateur after shooting a 3-over 72 at Wannamoisett Country Club. Horschel, an All-American from the University of Florida, sits at 6-under par and leads by two shots over Kevin Chappell of UCLA. Chappell was the only player in the top 10 entering the day that broke par. The Fresno, Cal., resident made six birdies and finished with a 2-under 67. Dustin Johnson, the tourney’s first day leader, shot 70 and is four back at 2-under par. The only other players under par are Kyle Stanley, Chris Kirk and Daniel Summerhays. Horschel held what appeared to be a commanding lead at 9-under par through six holes but a bogey at the 8th hole and a three-putt double bogey at the 9th brought him back to the pack. A bogey at the 12th hole and a birdie by Johnson tied the tournament at 5-under par. But Horschel responded with consecutive birdies at the 13th and 14th holes while Johnson bogeyed two straight holes. The final round of the tournament will be played on Saturday. - story courtesy Northeast Amateur