Back in 2023, Ryan Bilby outlasted Mason Williams to become the first amateur to win the West Virginia Open in 19 years.
After both golfers fired the two best rounds Thursday in the 93rd West Virginia Open at The Resort At Glade Springs, the duo will again be part of the final group at the event Friday.
Bilby surged into the lead with a second-round 66, good for a one-shot advantage over Williams, who carded a 68.
Both Bilby and Williams played the Cobb Course on Thursday and will return Friday to Stonehaven, where all 61 golfers to make the cut will finish.
Bilby, who starred at Brooke High School and played collegiately at Marshall, made three birdies and an eagle on the par-5 fifth hole sandwiched around one bogey to start his round.
A bogey on the par-3 seventh hole was followed by eight consecutive pars, before Bilby maintained his lead by making birdie on each of his final three holes.
Williams, a Bridgeport native who played collegiately at Georgia Southern, overcame a double bogey on the sixth hole by shooting 5-under par across the remainder of his round. Williams made his first of five straight pars on No. 7 before recording four straight birdies. Following two more pars, Williams birdied the par-5 18th to close to shoot a 31 on the back nine and move to within one shot of the lead.
David Bradshaw is in solo third at 3-under par after shooting that exact score Thursday at Cobb.
Cam Roam, who opened with a 1-over 73 Wednesday at Cobb, improved his positioning with Thursday’s 69 at Stonehaven, and sits alone in fourth place at 2-under.
A trio of golfers — Carson Higginbotham, Lucas Cromenees and Pat Carter — are tied for fifth at 1-under.
Davey Jude is the only other golfer not above par and is alone in eighth at even.
Eight golfers made the cut on the number at 12-over par.
Friday’s third and final round starts at 7:30 a.m., with the trio of Bilby, Williams and Bradshaw teeing off at 10:39 a.m.