Simon Owns Solo Lead Heading Into 36-Hole Finale at 122nd New Jersey Amateur Presented by Provident Bank
Jack Simon of Rockaway River Country Club
BRIELLE, N.J. - There was not a cloud in the sky at Manasquan River Golf Club on Tuesday in the second round of the 122nd New Jersey Amateur Championship presented by Provident Bank. Jack Simon, a recent graduate of St. John’s University grinded to a 1-under par 71 to grab the solo lead heading into the 36-hole finale. Simon, who recently won the 2023 Big East Individual Championship this past spring sits at 4-under par overall for the championship.
There are nine players at even par or better and within just four strokes of the leader.
Simon, 24, had a steady round. Despite double bogeying the final hole, he collected four birdies on his card.
“I didn't really do anything too special,” Simon reflected. “I just kept my head down and kept on grinding.”
In the opening round on Monday, Simon shot a 3-under par 69.
“My putting has been a little on and off lately, so if I can just get that to be steady, it'd be really, really good the next two rounds," Simon said.
Elliot Parker, Rhett Sellers and Chris DeJohn all trail Simon by just one stroke.
Parker, an incoming sophomore at Drew University shot his second-straight round under par, one of just two players in the field to accomplish such a feat with Simon being the other.
“My ball striking is there. I’m hitting some irons the best I’ve hit them,” Parker recalled. “It’s just a matter of if the putts are going in. Today they didn't really drop, but yesterday they were going in. If I just keep doing what I'm doing and putts do go in, I could have a couple more good rounds.”
For Sellers who is incoming senior at Rutgers University and competed in the last two U.S. Amateurs, the 36-hole finale should be a challenge but nothing he’s not accustomed to.
“It's a tough course, especially the greens,” explained Seller. “Putting yourself in play and keep giving yourself looks throughout the day and hopefully knock in a few birdies.”
Brendan Hansen, John Browndorf and Brian Whitman each carded the low rounds of the day, a 3-under par 69.
Following the opening two rounds, a cut was made to the top 40 players and ties. 42 competitors will compete on Wednesday with the third round will beginning at 7:30 a.m. ET.
Featured Group
The NJSGA will follow each shot of the 'Featured' group on Instagram Live as they play No. 1 and No. 10 in the final round of 2023 New Jersey Amateur Championship. Following the third round on Wednesday, an announcement on the Featured Group can be found on NJSGA social media platforms prior to the start of the final round.
Spectators who wish to attend must walk. Use of carts will not be permitted.
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