West Virginia Amateur: Brand in commanding lead

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.V. (July 7, 2011) -- Charleston’s Christian Brand is the lone leader going into the final round of the 2011 WV Amateur Championship. The former Marshall University standout shot 1-over-par 71 on The Greenbrier’s Meadows Course today, four strokes more than his 67 from yesterday, but enough to maintain his under-par status going into the final day. In fact, Brand is the only competitor in the entire field who is under par for the tournament. Hurricane’s Sam O’Dell, who has been tied for the lead for the past two rounds, posted a 76 today, a steep downgrade from his two 69s from the first two rounds. O’Dell sits five strokes behind Brand in second place. Rounding out the top three is junior golfer, Jess Ferrell. The Fairmont native has remained strong and steady throughout the week, shooting 3-over-par today, nine strokes behind Brand for the Championship. Huntington’s Steve Fox, who is the 1988 and 1994 Champion, is also in contention. Fox shot his best round of the week today, posting a 72 on the Meadows, sitting tied for fourth place with Wheeling’s Bryan Myers. Twelve-time Champion, Pat Carter, will have to make some big moves tomorrow to remain in contention, as he is 13 strokes behind the leader. Tyler Hartzell, also a junior golfer from Fairmont, was today’s low round of the day with an even-par 70 on the challenging resort course.