On a formidable Blue Course at Eisenhower Golf Club that seems to be getting the best of everyone in the field, Polk retained the lead in his quest for a fourth CGA Senior Amateur title. The 63-year-old shot a 4-over 76 on Wednesday to check in at 3-over 147, one stroke ahead of Fowler.
But Bill Fowler, the 2015 CGA Senior Amateur champion, made up four strokes on Polk on Wednesday with an even-par 72. The former CGA president eagled the 550-yard par-5 ninth hole and added a birdie and three bogeys in Round 2. Fowler and Jay Orris of Boulder Country Club tied for the best rounds of the day with their 72s.
But Polk and Fowler are far from the only ones in contention for the title on Thursday. Eight players are within six strokes of Polk.
In third place at 149 is 2018 CGA Senior Match Play champion John Hornbeck of Saratoga, Wyo., who matched Polk's 76, triple-bogeying his first hole but also making five birdies.
Defending champion Steve Ivan of Patty Jewett Golf Course also carded a 76 and sits in fourth place at 150. Ivan was the runner-up to Hornbeck at this year's CGA Senior Match Play.
Orris, with his 72, trails Polk by four. He double eagled the 530-yard, par-5 fifth hole for the highlight of the tournament to this point.
The field was cut from 84 to the low 40 players and ties (44 specifically) after Wednesday's second round.