Fernandez Seizes Lead at 46th Veritex Bank Texas State Open, Round Two Suspended

LEWISVILLE, Texas – Juan Fernandez of Scottsdale, Arizona fired a course record 10-under 62 during the second round of the 46thVeritex Bank Texas State Open and he currently holds the second round lead at 13-under-par 131. At 2:36 p.m., afternoon play was suspended due to lightning in the area. Play resumed at 4:41 and was later suspended at 8:45 p.m. due to darkness. All but one player finished the second round. He will finish his round beginning at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow.

The cut was determined at 2-under-par 142 as the final player’s finish will not affect the cut number. Round three is set to start at 9:00 a.m. on holes #1 and #10. The field will be in groups of three and the pairings will be finalized once round two is completed.

During the morning round, Fernandez started on hole #1 and notched an early birdie on #2. He then made an impressive streak of birdies on holes #3 through #5. He would go on to notch four more birdies and an eagle on #18 to cap his second round.

“I left myself on the good side of the hole most of the time. I had four or five tap in birdies. Those times that I was on the good side of the hole, I was able to be aggressive with the putter and make a couple,” said Fernandez regarding his record setting round. “I was just trying to stay competitive throughout the summer so I’ve been travelling all over the States trying to find good tournaments to play in and this fit my schedule and it’s a great tournament so I couldn’t pass it up.” Fernandez added.

2012 Champion Nathan Tyler of Tucson, Arizona sits in the second place position after firing a solid 5-under-par 67. Tyler is just two strokes back of Fernandez at 11-under-par 133 for the tournament.

“I’m [originally] from Texas. It sounds kind of weird to say, but it’s almost a major in a way, to me. When I was growing up, my uncle used to talk about this tournament like it was a major. I know a lot of stories and histories about this tournament just from listening to him,” said Tyler. “Being born down south here in Texas, it [his 2012 Texas State Open win] is definitely the best win I have in my career.”

Only two amateurs will make the cut. Matt Gilchrest (a) of Southlake, Texas and Andrew Paysse (a) of Temple, Texas will battle it out to become the Low Amateur. Gilchrest is currently leading with rounds of 71-67—138, 6 under.

Again for 2016, the Low PGA Club Professional will be recognized. Three PGA Members survived the cut. They include Matt Lohmeyer, PGA teaching professional at GolfTec in Fort Worth, Greg Gregory, PGA assistant professional at Hidden Creek Golf Course, and Brian Norman, PGA teaching professional at Gleneagles Country Club, will be vying for Low PGA Professional honors. Lohmeyer current leads the division after rounds of 68-68—136, 8-under par.

The Lakes at Castle Hills is hosting the 72-hole stroke play event and the course is a 7,297-yard, par 72 layout. The purse is $182,500 with $36,500 awarded to the champion.

The 46th Veritex Bank Texas State Open is presented by Wick Phillips Attorney & Counselors. Children’s Health is the charitable partner.

Round three will commence on Thursday, July 28 at 9:00 a.m. Fernandez, Tyler and William Kropp will tee off at 10:30 a.m. Starting times and groupings can be found at www.ntpga.com. Admission is free to all.

Please note: (a) denotes amateur. Also, amateurs will be awarded gift certificates.

Second round standings.