Tennessee Mid-Amateur: Payne Denman takes three-shot lead into final round

Payne Denman continued his return to fall competitive golf with a second straight 3-under 69 to take a three-shot lead after the second round of the 39th Tennessee Mid-Amateur Championship at Hillwood Country Club.

Denman, who shared the opening-round lead, reached 6-under 138 through 36 holes. The Murfreesboro golfer made five birdies for the second consecutive day, including three in a four-hole stretch that moved him to 4-under for the round through 12. Back-to-back bogeys slowed his momentum before a birdie at No. 15 helped restore his three-shot cushion.