Clarksville, TN – Former Austin Peay and Clarksville High School standout Brian Balthrop fired a 68 Saturday to take a one-shot lead into Sunday’s final round of the Wendy’s Invitational Golf Tournament at the Swan Lake Golf Course.
Balthrop, who finished a single stroke short of forcing a three-way playoff with Greg Guinn and Jeff Chandler at the 2011 Wendy’s, appeared in control for much of the afternoon Saturday, taking advantage of Swan Lake’s new Bermuda greens.
Balthrop, who teamed with Josh Black to win the Two-Man Tri-Fecta at the Cole Park Golf Course last month, has played extremely well at Swan Lake as of late, including matching the course record during a practice round prior to the Tri-Fecta.
Among those chasing Balthrop entering Sunday’s final round include current CHS standout Hunter Richardson, who turned in a 69 on Saturday to finish one shot off the lead.
Richardson, who was the medalist at the District 10-AAA last fall, showed great poise during Saturday’s round, besting a vast majority of the 98-player field.
Joining Balthrop and Richardson in Sunday’s final group are Tucker Wallace and Todd Greene, who turned in two-under rounds on Saturday.
In addition to the other members of the final group, Balthrop will have to fight off current Austin Peay junior Dustin Korte, who fired a Saturday 70 to earn a spot in Sunday’s next-to-last pairing.
Korte, who was one the most consistent Govs in 2012, entered Saturday’s opening round on the heels of cheering on teammate Anthony Bradley, who participated in the NCAA Regional at The Club at Olde Stone in Bowling Green, KY.
Other members of the second-to-last pairing include Rossview High School senior and UT-Martin signee Tyler Guy, who shot an even-par 71 to join Sunday’s 13-man championship flight.
Rob Clouser, who teamed with Corey Cornell to finish runner-up to Balthrop and Black at the Tri-Fecta, fired an opening-round 74 to finish among the leaders of Sunday’s 14-person first flight.
Guinn, who won last year’s Wendy’s, elected to participate in the Senior Division this year and finished with the low round of the afternoon Saturday, firing a 69 to enjoy a one-stroke lead over Brad Vankirk.
With all proceeds benefiting the Austin Peay men’s golf program, Govs Athletic Director Dave Loos participated in event, firing an opening-day 92.
Action resumes at 7:50am Sunday morning with a live broadcast of the championship flight’s final group on WJZM beginning at 12:40pm.
