Gutierrez Extends Lead at the 104th Open Championship Presented by Donnelly Industries
EDISON, N.J. - First round leader Derek Gutierrez shot a 4-under par 67 on Wednesday to extend his lead at the 104th New Jersey Open Championship presented by Donnelly Industries. Gutierrez, of Plainfield West Nine owns a five-stroke lead heading into the final round at Plainfield Country Club.
The rising Rutgers University sophomore had just one blemish on his scorecard. Outside of his one bogey on No. 10, Gutierrez went on a birdie barrage, notching five total and three in his final seven holes.
“My motto this week was to stay patient,” Gutierrez explained. “I didn't get off to a great start this summer, but just keeping patient because these pins are tough."
Plainfield assistant golf professional Rhett Sellers, who shot a 2-under par 69 on Wednesday to climb the leaderboard himself followed along Gutierrez after his round, supporting his former Rutgers teammate.
“It shows how tight the Rutgers family really is” Gutierrez added. “He’s a good friend of mine, so it was nice and a little calming, too.”
Defending champion Brent Paladino is the leading professional, shooting a 1-under par 70 in the second round.
2023 New Jersey Player of the Year Troy Vannucci turned in an even par 71 in the second round to trail Gutierrez by five. After starting his front nine 3-over par, Vannucci answered by going 3-under par on the back nine.
“I had a rocky start,” Vannucci recalled. “I had one bad shot and didn't get up and down. Other than that, I was hitting the ball good. On the back nine, I just stayed patient, trusting the process. Out here you can't really force it and luckily some fell in coming down the stretch.”
Gutierrez, Vanucci and two other amateurs – Ricky Calve and Jack Wall make up the top four spots on the leaderboard.
Five former Open Champions in Paladino, Tyler Hall, Frank Esposito Jr., Mark Costanza and Brian Gaffney advanced to the final round on Thursday.
The low 40 scorers advanced to the final round of the major championship. The first pair of players will go off at 7 a.m. off No. 1.
Four-time New Jersey Open Champion Ed Whitman (1991, 1995, 1996 and 2004) closed out his second round with a standing ovation after playing in his 50th consecutive Open Championship. Whitman played in his very first open in 1975 at Plainfield.
Read more about his journey here
NJSGA Social Media
For the latest updates and news, visit njsga.org or follow New Jersey State Golf Association on Facebook, X and Instagram at @NJSGA1900.
