Nicholas Leads After Day Two at Long Island Open

 

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (June 7, 2023) - The 99th Long Island Open Championship Presented by Stifel continues on at Huntington Crescent Club. James Nicholas leads the pack with a total score of 8-under 132.

Related: Results

The first two days of the Long Island Open have seen interesting weather, with long rain delays yesterday and wildfire fog from Canada clouding the golf course. When asked about the weather, reigning champion Reid Howey of Piping Rock Club said, “It definitely has gotten harder as the day went on, the conditions keep getting tougher and tougher.” Current leader James Nicholas commented on the visibility, “As it got windier the greens started to firm up a little bit and we had that haze kind of come over the whole course. I just tried to stay focused on my targets, though it was tough to see from a depth standpoint how far everything was.”

James Nicholas of Deepdale Golf Club carded the lowest scores over the two rounds, totaling 8-under 132. Nicholas’s first round yesterday of 9-under 61 helped him secure a significant lead over the competition, finishing 5 strokes ahead of everyone else. Additionally, with this score, Nicholas gained the course record. As for today, he shot 1-over 71 to solidify his place in round 3. His strategy for tomorrow? “Keep the same up.  I’ve got a good game plan out here so I just have to go out and execute.”

Following Nicholas is Danny Ballin of Fresh Meadow Country Club, finishing the two days at 3-under 137. Matt Dobyns of Meadow Brook Club and Paul P. Dickinson of Atlantic Golf Club follow close behind at 2-under 138.

Overall, the 36-hole cut fell at 7-over, with 46 players advancing to tomorrow's finals. Tee times begin at 7:30 AM tomorrow.