Palmetto Amateur: Kountakis takes lead

AIKEN, S.C. (June 6, 2014) -- Emmanuel Kountakis fired a 3-under 67 Friday to jump into the lead at the 2014 Palmetto Amateur. Kountakis, who plays at Mercer University, leads by a shot over Clemson's Billy Kennerly, who stormed into contention with the round of the day -- a 5-under 65. First and second-round leader Will Long stumbled in Round 3, shooting a 3-over 73 and fell to third place. His 65-68 start had built a two-shot lead entering Friday's third round. Kennesaw State's Jimmy Beck remains in contention and sits in fourth place with a Friday 69 while Spencer Ciesla of Vanderbilt and South Carolina's Matthew NeSmith shot 67, and 68, respectively to sneak into a tie for fifth place. Other notable Friday movers include: LSU's Curtis Thompson and Zachary Bauchou, a highly-ranked junior golfer from Virginia (T7), Ross Thomson of Charleston Southern (10th), Azalea champ Will Murphy of South Carolina (T11), Memorial winner and Texas A&M signee Cameron Champ (T14) and Georgia's Michael Cromie (T14). The Palmetto Amateur is a 72-hole stroke play event held on a classic Alister MacKenzie design. The field of 84 is selected from applicants based on handicap, participation in amateur golf events and competitive record and annually features many of the game's top collegiate and junior players. For a full look at the leaderboard, follow the results link below.