Round two of the New Year’s Invitational concluded Saturday at St. Petersburg Country Club, with Lucas Gimenez moving into sole possession of the lead as the field tightened behind him.
Gimenez followed his opening round 66 with a two under 68 to reach eight under par 134 through 36 holes. He played steady golf across the championship layout and will carry a one shot advantage into the final round.
Carson Baez of the University of Richmond sits second at seven under par after rounds of 66 and 69. Baez remained in contention throughout the day and stayed within striking distance heading into Sunday.
Bailey Sutter, an Alabama commit, and Chase Bauer are tied for third at five under par 137. Sutter posted rounds of 67 and 70, while Bauer rebounded with a second round 67 after opening with a 70.
Three players share fifth at four under par 138, including Calen Sanderson of Notre Dame, Jacob Lang of Kentucky, and Preston Worch of North Carolina Wilmington. All three remained consistent through two rounds and positioned themselves inside the top ten.
A group of four players is tied for eighth at three under par 139. Dylan Teeter of UTEP, Nathan Miller of TCU, Luke Balaskiewicz of North Florida, and Jackson Skinner of Mississippi State each posted matching totals to remain in the hunt entering the final round.
With limited separation near the top of the leaderboard, the New Year’s Invitational sets up for a competitive closing round at St. Petersburg Country Club.
Top 10 After Round Two
- Lucas Gimenez, eight under 134
- Carson Baez, University of Richmond, seven under 135
T3. Bailey Sutter, Alabama commit, five under 137
T3. Chase Bauer, five under 137
T5. Calen Sanderson, Notre Dame, four under 138
T5. Jacob Lang, University of Kentucky, four under 138
T5. Preston Worch, North Carolina Wilmington, four under 138
T8. Dylan Teeter, UTEP, three under 139
T8. Nathan Miller, TCU, three under 139
T8. Luke Balaskiewicz, University of North Florida, three under 139
T8. Jackson Skinner, Mississippi State, three under 139
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