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Ohio Am’s second day difficult

Murray shoots 73 to lead by two strokes; no golfer shoots under 70 at tough Moraine Country Club.

Ben Boyer of Oakwood hits out of a bunker on the first hole during the second round of the Ohio Amateur on Wednesday, July 15, at Moraine Country Club.

Staff photo by Ron Alvey Ben Boyer of Oakwood hits out of a bunker on the first hole during the second round of the Ohio Amateur on Wednesday, July 15, at Moraine Country Club.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Lucas Murray of East Sparta hits out of the rough on the 11th hole during the second round of the Ohio Amateur at Moraine Country Club. Murray led after the second round.

Staff photo by Ron Alvey Lucas Murray of East Sparta hits out of the rough on the 11th hole during the second round of the Ohio Amateur at Moraine Country Club. Murray led after the second round.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Doug Harris, Staff Writer Updated 12:16 PM Thursday, July 16, 2009

KETTERING — Defending Ohio Amateur champion Vaughn Snyder has noticed the lack of sparkling scores through the first two rounds at Moraine Country Club, but he believes that’s destined to change.

“I think this will still be a week where 6- or 7-under will win,” said the 22-year-old ex-Ohio State golfer after shooting a 2-over-par 74, leaving him in a tie for second at the halfway point at 1-under 143. “They’ve used up most of the (tough) pins.”

Told the Ohio Golf Association, which puts on the Ohio Am, might perceive that statement as a challenge, Snyder said: “Go ahead. It’s going to be the same for everybody. I’m smart enough where I can figure out what’s going on. If they want to play that game, I’ll play to the front edge and chip it up there.

“They had some pins out there today where you were right below the hole and putted it up there, and it rolled back to you. That’s not golf.”

Lucas Murray, an Akron University junior, followed a 68 with a 73 for a 3-under 141 and a two-shot lead. Only three players were under par, and players shouldn’t expect a relaxing time on the greens the rest of the way.

Jim Popa, executive director of the OGA, doesn’t intend to change where his crew has been placing the flags.

“We’ve got great hole locations the next two days. They’re very fair and will test their mettle,” he said

Local flavor

Oakwood’s Ben Boyer, a four-time Moraine club champ, stapled a 77 to his opening 70 and is six back. Bellbrook’s Jeff Scohy (73-71), Wayne High School sophomore Michael Bernard (74-70) and Liberty Twp., Butler County, resident Alex Martin (71-73) were tied for fourth at even par, while Centerville’s Kevin Grabeman, a former Springboro High star, (74-71) was just 1-over.

Key stat

The 12 players who broke par in the first round averaged 76 on their second 18.

Quote of the day

Boyer on the absence of any second-round sub-70 scores: “I think it was pin positions, the rough, the wind — all the elements came into play today. Tough golf course. Some of the pins were really tricky, for sure.”