Michigan State’s Haylin Harris fired an impressive 4-under-par, 66 during the second round of the 97th IWGA State Amateur Championship at Kokomo Country Club to grab a one-shot lead over Indiana University’s Alexis Miestowski and five-time Women’s Amateur Champion, Julia Potter-Bobb.
“I had a solid round today,” Harris said. “I didn’t miss many fairways and I hit 16 greens, so it felt like a fairly easy day."
Harris’s round consisted of five birdies and one lone bogey, carded on the par-5, 11th. Heading into her sophomore year at Michigan State, Harris is just coming from a National Championship appearance with her teammates back in May.
“I like putting myself in high pressure situations,” Harris said. “I just finished my freshmen year and got to play at Nationals, which was a lot of fun. I am excited to take on the pressure again tomorrow in the final group.”
Miestowski and Potter-Bobb headed to today’s round tied for the lead with Annabelle Pancake, Zionsville, after firing opening rounds of even-par, 70.
Today, Miestowski carded four birdies and five bogeys for a total of 1-over-par, 71 and a 36-hole total of 1-over-par, 141.
“I hit the ball really well today and also putted well,” Miestowski said. “I did miss a few putts, though, that could have made the difference, but I feel pretty confident heading into tomorrow.”
Potter-Bobb also carded 71 today with three birdies and four bogeys, including a necessary birdie conversion on 18.
“I wouldn’t say I had my best game today, but I was able to make clutch shots and putts when I needed to,” Potter-Bobb said. “I knew I needed to birdie 18 to get into the final group tomorrow. I’m hoping to take that momentum into tomorrow’s round and put a good score in place. We’ll see what happens.”
Pancake posted a 2-over-par, 72 today and trails by two shots along with Sarah Frazier of Fort Wayne, who posted rounds of 73 and 69.
After today’s round the field was flighted based on scores. Flight Six will tee off first tomorrow morning, followed by the other five flights, with the Championship Flight teeing off later tomorrow morning.