The second day of the 105th WV Amateur Championship, presented by Astorg Motor Company and Mercedes-Benz of Charleston, sponsored by United Bank and conducted by the West Virginia Golf Association (WVGA) saw 2011 champion Christian Brand of Scott Depot hold a commanding 10-stroke lead at 13 under par 127.
Round Two on the Old White Course gave golfers a cooler, sunnier day without Sunday’s rain threats. Following Monday’s round, the field of 120 was cut to 54 golfers for the final two days of play.
Rounding out the top five after two rounds of play were Nick Dent of White Sulphur Springs and Ryan Bilby of Follansbee tied for second at three under par 137, with Mitch Hoffman of Hurricane and Christian Casingal of Morgantown tied for fourth at one under par 139.
Birdies and eagles were popular for the first two rounds of play with Brand scoring 14 birdies, Bilby and Clayton Thomas of Proctorville, Ohio scoring nine birdies each and Owen Elliott of Hedgesville and Hoffman each scoring eight birdies and an eagle.
“On behalf of Mercedes Benz of Parkersburg and Mercedes Benz of Charleston, we would like to say thank you to the West Virginia Golf Association for all of their hard work and dedication throughout the year,” said Astorg Auto General Manager Tyler Astorg. “Additionally, thank you to The Greenbrier and all of its dedicated staff for their incredible hospitality.”
“We looked forward to hosting the 105th WV Amateur for the 97th time and I have been involved with 40 of them,” said The Greenbrier’s Head Golf Professional Hill Herrick. “The consensus has been the younger players are starting to dominate the event, but I do not think that is true. There are many players in their 30’s and 40’s, even 50’s, who are still playing very well.”
After the cut from 120 golfers to 54, defending champion Cameron Jarvis (2023) and past champions Noah Mullens (2022), Philip Reale (2021), Brian Anania (2014), Pat Carter (1995-2004, 2006, 2012) and Christian Brand (2011) are still in contention.
The 105th West Virginia Amateur will continue through May 29th at The Greenbrier, which has hosted the event 97 of the past 105 years, with the first tee time at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday on the Meadows Course.
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