South Beach International: Richard James takes charge

MIAMI BEACH, Florida (Dec. 20, 2014) -- Former University of South Florida Golfer Richard James of Wales followed up his 6 under par 65 at Miami Beach Golf Club with a stellar 4 under par 66 at Normandy Shores Golf Club to open up a 3 stroke lead (-10) over one of the world’s strongest fields on day two of the South Beach International Amateur.

Liberty University bound high school senior and 2014 F lorida State Amateur Champion Gabriel Lench of Lake Mary, Florida shot 66 at Miami Beach and sits alone in second place at 7 under par. Barry University star, Canadian Adam Svensson and University of North Carolina freshman Ben Griffin of Chapel Hill, North Carolina are tied for third after shooting 67 and 70 respectively, and are 4 shots back.

An amazing 88 players (72 plus ties) will move on to play Miami Beach Golf Club for the final two rounds of the world’s 14th ranked amateur. Included in the players to make the cut (+3) are Francis Berthiaume of Canada who shot the round of the day, firing a 64 at Normandy Shores to rebound from his opening day 75 at Miami Beach.

Fifty Eight year old 2014 BritishSenior Amateur Champion Brady Exber of Las Vegas, Nevada continued to his stellar play in 2014 making the cut at 1 under par.

Conditions got more difficult as both Normandy Shores and Miami Beach got faster and firmer as the wind picked up. Both course played a stroke more difficult than day one.

Executive Director Jeff Hunt said, “It is an amazing field and not a surprise with so many world class players that 88 get to move on to the final two rounds.” “As the wind continues to pick up and the courses speed up I expect that the scores will continue to rise, guaranteeing that once again the SBIA will deliver a truly tested world class champion on Monday afternoon,” Hunt added.

Tee times start at Miami Beach Sunday and Monday morning for the final two rounds and spectators are welcome. Admittance is free.

Story courtesy tournament committee