BRYAN, Texas (AP) — Gordon Neale shot a 7-under 64 on Wednesday at Miramont to top the boys’ field in the Junior PGA Championship, and Kristen Gillman increased her lead to three strokes in the girls’ division.
Neale, the 17-year-old Trabuco Canyon, California, player who has committed to SMU, birdied the first five holes and finished with eight birdies and a bogey. He had a 6-under 136 total.
“I had a two-putt birdie on the first hole and the next thing I knew, I was 5 under through five holes,” Neale said. “I had a bit of a rough patch with a bogey on the sixth, but I was able to hold the round together. … I’m really pleased with how I played. It’s the best round I’ve had in a while.”
Sam Burns of Shreveport, Louisiana, was two strokes back after a 69. Brad Dalke of Hobart, Oklahoma, was third at 3 under after a 70.
Gillman, the 16-year-old Austin, Texas, player who has committed to Alabama, had her second straight 66 to reach 10 under. Her 132 total is the lowest 36-hole score in event history.
“I didn’t make as many mistakes in today’s round,” Gillman said. “I continued to hit the ball well again today and made the putts I needed to make. … I’m just going to go out tomorrow and have fun and not worry about the position I’m in. I just always love being in contention and having a chance to win.”
Hannah O’Sullivan of Paradise Valley, Arizona, was second after a 67.
Samantha Wagner of Windermere, Florida, was third at 5 under after a 66.
Ellen Takada of Irvine, California, shot a 64 — matching the girls’ tournament record — to move into a tie for fourth at 3 under with Bethany Wu of Diamond Bar, California. Wu had a 69.
The fields will be cut to the low 30 and ties after the third round.
The boys’ winner will get a spot next year in the PGA Tour’s Texas Open and the girls’ champion will qualify for the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic in California.
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