LESSING'S AJGA CLASSIC
The Concord Resort & Golf Club, The Monster Course
Kiamesha Lake, New York
August 12-15, 2002

WATTS, COHN AND HERLIHY SHARE ONE-STROKE LEAD
Bickerton holds onto five-stroke lead in Girls Division

KIAMESHA LAKE, N.Y. -- Scores were lower on the second day of competition, but The Monster Course continued to be a tough challenge. Hunter Watts of Keswick, Va., Adam Cohn of Binghamton, N.Y., and Brent Herlihy of Glens Falls, N.Y., share the lead after shooting two-round totals of 150 in the Lessing's AJGA Classic Wednesday. Competing in her first AJGA event on U.S. soil this season, Ashley Bickerton of Ottawa, Ontario, remains the Girls Division leader by five strokes after posting a 78 for a two-round total of 151.

Conducted by the American Junior Golf Association, the Lessing's AJGA Classic features 79 boys and 21 girls representing 19 states and Canada, including 35 players from the state of New York. The tournament is being held on the par-72 Monster Course at The Concord Resort & Golf Club, spread over 6,953 yards for boys and 5,968 yards for girls.

Playing in his first AJGA event, Watts fired the day's lone under-par score of 71 to enter the final round and share the lead with two other players.

"I hit more fairways off the tee today than I did yesterday," Watts said. "I made more putts and was able to convert some birdie opportunities."

The Virginia native carded two bogeys and three birdies on the day, with his biggest break occurring on Hole No. 16.

"I hit a 4-iron from under the trees on No. 16 and birdied the hole," the 18-year-old said. "It was my biggest break of the day and it felt good."

The New York native Herlihy struggled in the second round but found his swing after a three-hour weather delay. Herlihy posted four bogeys, but wrapped up the rough day with a birdie on No. 18.

"It was my best shot of the day," the 17-year-old Herlihy said. "I've been holding on to dear life all day, but I came back strong after the weather delay with a fresh swing."

Fellow New York native Cohn shot rounds of 76-74-150 to share the spotlight with Watts and Herlihy. Cohn carded three birdies, three bogeys and one double bogey on the day.

Jason Occi of Cranford, N.J., and Connor Doherty of Woodstock, Vt., round out the top five as the duo sit in a tie for fourth place at 151.

Leading the Girls Division, the 17-year-old Bickerton played another solid round as she hit every fairway on the course except for one. Despite carding one birdie, four bogeys and one triple bogey on the day, the Ontario native is content with her game.

"I'm satisfied with my game today," Bickerton said. "I hit every fairway except on Hole No. 18. After the weather delay, I got a little too aggressive. I just need to play it smart and safe tomorrow."

Megan Grehan of Mamaroneck, N.Y., stands alone in second with rounds of 80-76-156 while Tiffany Tavee of Gilbert, Ariz., rounds out the top three at 158.

Final-round action will begin Thursday, August 15, with tee times running between 6:30 a.m. - 11:18 a.m. off the No. 1 tee of The Monster Course at The Concord Resort & Golf Club.

For more information on the Lessing's AJGA Classic, please contact tournament headquarters at (845) 794-4000, ext. 8002, or visit the Association's Web site at ajga.org.

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