CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A second round 68 has lifted David Bradshaw to the top of the leaderboard at the 88th West Virginia Open. The 11-time Open champion put seven birdies on his card Thursday at Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport. At 4-under par, Bradshaw will take a three-shot lead over Nick Fleming into Friday’s final round.
“I have had leads and I have lost them. I have been behind and come back,” Bradshaw said on Citynet Statewide Sportsline.
Bradshaw posted the low round of the tournament Thursday to follow up an even par round on Wednesday. The Shepherd University alumnus is seeking his 12th title just 18 years after winning his first as an amateur in 2004.
“It started out a little rough with a bogey on 10. But then I got things cruising along with a few birdies. I had one little blip on the radar on two when I duck hooked it into the weeds. But that happens if you play golf. I hit the ball well and putted pretty solid.
“This is a tough one for the old guys. I am about to turn forty. So even I am feeling it.”
Fleming (1-under) is the only other golfer on the good side of par through 36 holes. Bradshaw and Fleming will be grouped with former WVU golfer Chris Williams (1-over) in the final round. The trio will tee off at 11:20 a.m. Chris Williams is tied for third place with Bridgeport native Mason Williams and Pikewood National Director of Golf Matt Tashenberg.
Defending champion Ken Hess is six shots back at 2-over. He is tied with Bridgeport’s Woody Woodward in sixth place. Pat Carter (3-over), Christian Boyd (4-over) and Ryan Bilby (4-over) complete the top ten.
The field was cut to 62 players after Thursday’s second round.