Tit for Tat: Harris matches Bare's course record 65, holds two shot lead
By Dom Dastoli

   Lakeville, MA---At 2:26, Andy Bare's second round 65 broke LeBaron Hills previous course record and gave him a one-stroke lead. At 2:47, Mike Harris completed his own 65 to vault to the top of the leaderboard. At 11-under, Harris holds a two shot lead over Bare heading into the final round of the 2nd annual LeBaron Hills Open.

Three-time player of the year Geoff Sisk, one shot back of Bare, shares third with Scott Hawley. Defending champion Todd Westfall followed up his opening 69 with a 71 and shares 12th place Eli Zackheim and Chris Simmons.

"I've never had a stretch like this before," said Harris, who made three putts of 20 feet or more during his second round. "I've been putting well for three months now. I'm not even thinking on the green. I get my line and just hit it."

Through two rounds, Harris has 16 birdies, six on LeBaron's tame par 5s. Friday's round included a pair of two-putt birdies and three more courtesy of accurate wedge play. He enters the final round in search of his third win in less than a month, following dominating performances in the Vermont and Michigan Opens.

Bare, meanwhile, is seeking back-to-back wins on Tour. Dating back to the Tours Atlantic City event, he has played his last four rounds 21-under par. Despite making three bogeys, Bare set his second course record in two weeks on the strength of six birdies and two eagles, a chip in on the par 5 12th and a hole out from the bunker on the 14th.

Geoff Sisk, ironically, has gone winless since capturing last year's season ending Samoset2 Open. Unlike the more explosive names he is pursuing, Sisk has tallied just nine birdies through two rounds. He has, however, carded just one bogey, the fewest among the field of 100.

"It hasn't been easy," Sisk said of his recent struggles. "I haven't performed up to my expectations. It hasn't been easy. You can't win it on the second day, but you can put yourself pretty far out of it trying to get greedy."

While a host of players jumped up the leaderboard during round two, Wednesday's leaders came crashing down.

First round leader Matt Donovan made two doubles and a triple on his way to a 79. He stands tied for 35th with Corey Brigham and David Schuster, who followed up their 67s with 78s.

Forty players survived Thursday's 36 hole cut, which fell at 1-over 145. Up for grabs during the final round: A purse of $86,400 and a winner's share of $13,000.