Newsom, Sullivan lead State Open

Associated Press
Published: July 18, 2008

MIDLOTHIAN — Amateur Roger W. Newsom and PGA professional Chip Sullivan shared the lead entering weekend play at the 2008 State Open of Virginia.

Newsom and Sullivan are at 7-under 137 for the championship. A 44-year-old ophthalmologist, Newsom shot a second day 2-under 70, while Sullivan, the head PGA professional at Ashley Plantation, had 4-under 68 on the second day.

Five players are three back at 4-under 140, including first round leader and 2005 champion Ted Brown.

Former UVa golfer Cameron Yancey, of Blackstone, and Arlington’s Chris McCartin each shot a two-day total of 141 at Independence Golf Club, four shots behind co-leaders Chip Sullivan of Troutville and Roger W. Newsom of Virginia Beach. Bryan Jackson of Palmyra and UVa golf coach Bowen Sargent of Charlottesville were six shots back at 143, and Charlottesville’s Rob McNamara was at 144.

Local golfers Jerry Burton, Richard Hanna and Brent Daughtrey also advanced to today’s third round. Carl Seelman, Kevin Haney, David Passerell, Judson Foster, Weston Eklund, Geoff Redgrave and Mike Moyers missed the cut.

In shooting 4-under on Friday, Sullivan rode a strong ball-striking round in which he missed only one green to own a share of the overnight lead.

“The bottom line is that I hit the ball well, had control over it and felt good out there. I hit a lot of good shots,” said Sullivan, a four-time Maryland Open champion, who scored his latest victory in the event last week.

Normally focused only on his game during competitive events, Newsom had a welcome distraction on Friday, celebrating his 21st wedding anniversary with his wife, Susan. Newsom had three birdies against a bogey on Friday and continued his strong play in competitive events, having finished as the runner-up in the VSGA State Am and he placed fifth at last week’s Eastern Amateur