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Wayne sophomore two strokes off Ohio Am lead

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Staff photo by Jim Witmer Michael Bernard of Huber Heights in action during Thursday's round of the Ohio Amateur at the Moraine Country Club.

By Doug Harris, Staff Writer Updated 9:52 PM Thursday, July 16, 2009

KETTERING — Michael Bernard has already shown he can control his golf ball, and the 15-year-old Wayne High School sophomore is just as confident he can control his nerves with an Ohio Amateur championship on the line.

“I’m pretty good with those things,” he said. “Maybe a few years back, it would bother me. But I’ve definitely learned how to handle those situations better.”

Playing against top college players and more than a few wily veterans, Bernard shot an even-par 72 in the third round at Moraine Country Club on Thursday and is alone in fourth, just two strokes off the lead.

Alex Martin, an Indiana University senior from Liberty Twp. near Middletown, and Ethan Tracy of Hilliard are tied for first at 2-under 214, while Lucas Murray of East Sparta in northeast Ohio is one shot off the pace.

The swirling wind kept golfers befuddled. Martin had the low round at 70, and only three others broke par.

“I’m definitely in good position with a chance to win tomorrow,” Bernard said.

Conceding?

Former Ohio State golfer Vaughn Snyder rallied from a five-shot deficit in the final round to win the Ohio Am last year. He’s only four shots back this time, but a third-round 75 left him disheartened.

“I just played horrible all day,” he said. “Luckily, no one ran away with it, if I play a clean round tomorrow. But I don’t see that happening with the way I’m playing.”

Key stat

The field was whittled to the low 40 and ties for the final round, and the 54-hold cut is the same as it was here in 1999 — 10-over-par 226.

Quote of the day

Bellbrook’s Jeff Scohy on Bernard: “He’s good, man. He has a great future. He hits it really good, putts it good and doesn’t get flustered.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.