Mount Vernon News

Anderson snags lead at Publinx

HOWARD — A new leader emerged on the scoreboard during round two of the OPGA Publinx held at Apple Valley Golf Course on Wednesday. Josh Anderson of Sunbury shot a 65, combined with Tuesday’s 72 efforts for a 137.

“I actually haven’t been playing that great so I wasn’t quite sure at first. As I played better and better my confidence grew,” said Anderson, who mentioned it helped being paired up with his father and good friend.

Tuesday’s leaders, Tom Ballinger and Scotty Jones continued to have a solid day at the course. Both men repeated 69 shots on Wednesday to trail Anderson by one stroke at 138.

“I want to win but I just want to play as good as I can tommorow and be in a good spot for the last round,” said Anderson.

In his third year at the Publinx, Tyler Tarney of Galena remains two strokes behind the lead after shooting a 65 Wednesday. The Penn State golfer is optimistic about the rest of his performance this week.

“Today it’s like I just made up for yesterday. I hit the ball really well and made birdies this time,” said Tarney. “It’s a lot of fun; there is some really good competition here and I really like this course.”

Steve Paramore of Ashland finished solid for the second day in a row with a 71 (141). Roger Tolley of Willard and Mark Robinson of Cardington are both at 142.

Seventy-eight golfers made the 156 cut to continue to the third round of play today. Thirteen men still remain under par.

Stefan Laslo is among that group, finishing Wednesday with a 69. Laslo has competed in the Publinx for over 10 years.

“I played pretty well for me. I just got done probably about an hour ago and it was really hot, it was brutal,” said Laslo. “I had to drink a lot of gatorade and water to keep myself hydrated, but it was a great day to play golf. Hot is good; there is no wind to speak of and it was a good day to play I’m surprised there weren’t better scores out there.