Southern Amateur: Main, Fox tied for lead

PALM HARBOR, FL -- UCLA All-American Gregor Main and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox are tied for the lead at the midpoint of the 105th Southern Amateur at Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course. Paired together during the first two rounds, Main and Fox came to the final hole on Thursday tied for the lead. Fox hit his approach to within six inches for a tap-in birdie to nose in front momentarily, but Main matched him with an 8-foot birdie as they both completed the first 36 holes at 6-under-par 136. University of Georgia All-American Harris English is one stroke back. Main is gunning for his second Southern Am title, having won two years ago in Memphis. The stocky Fox, 24, has seen his power game come together this year, winning two of the three top amateur tournaments in his homeland. “It was fun out there swapping birdies with Gregor,” said Fox. “I got the putter going today.” But it was his long driving that overpowered Copperhead’s par-fives with birdies on three of the four. Fox and Main both plan to turn pro later this year. The field was cut to the low 66 and ties for the final 36 holes Friday and Saturday. The winner earns an automatic invitation to compete in the PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational next spring in Orlando.