Bluffton’s Kayla Kozak moves to front at Oppenheimer Junior

Bluffton’s Kayla Kozak used an even-par 72 to grab the lead in the girls’ division of the Judie Oppenheimer Memorial Junior, moving one shot ahead of first-round leader Jenny Bae and Greenville’s Carly Burkhardt entering Thursday’s final round at Oyster Reef Golf Club.

Kozak, also an IJGA student, carded two birdies and two bogeys as she seeks her first victory on the AJGA circuit. She completed 36 holes at 3-over 147.

“I thought I played really well today and stayed focused,” Kozak told a tournament liaison. “I don’t want to do anything differently tomorrow. I want to play the same way that I have for the last two days.”

Bae, of Lawrenceville, Ga., took a four-shot lead into the second day but struggled with a 77 that included four bogeys before the turn. Burkhardt also steadied her game with a 72 to lurk one shot back.

Another stroke back was Bluffton’s Sophia Burnett, who carded the day’s best round with a 71.

Austin Bonfiglio of Holly Springs, N.C., opened up a three-shot lead in the boys’ division, creating some breathing room after Wednesday’s 73. Quinn Riley (74) and Addison Nix (72) led the chase pack, with Hilton Head Island’s Brooks Dyess another shot back after a 75.

This story was originally published July 20, 2016 at 11:24 PM with the headline "Bluffton’s Kayla Kozak moves to front at Oppenheimer Junior."