Walker Lee maintains slim Southern Amateur lead

Walker Lee’s scorecard wasn’t flashy on Thursday in the second round of the Southern Amateur, but it didn’t need to be. The Texas A&M player maintained a one-shot lead at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock, Ark., that he’ll take into weekend.

Lee balanced two bogeys with two birdies on his way to an even-par 71. His 6-under 65 in the first round provided enough of a cushion to leave him on top.

The field averaged 73.1 on Friday, and 27 men are under par at the halfway point of the championship.

Behind Lee, three more college players are tied at 5 under. That includes UCF’s Kyler Tate, UNF’s Michael Mattiace and Washington Noah Woolsey. Among the three, Mattiace, a Jacksonville, Fla., native had the best score, a 5-under 66 included an eagle at No. 12.

The field was cut to the low 66 players and ties after 36 holes. The cut fell at 3-over 145 with 71 players advancing to the final 36 holes