Matt O’Quinn leads at midway point of Beaufort City golf tourney

Rob Simmons’ quest for a third consecutive Beaufort City Golf Championship crown will have to be done in come-from-behind fashion, reaching the midway point two shots off Matt O’Quinn’s lead after Saturday’s round at Fripp Island’s Ocean Point course.

O’Quinn moved to the front with a 2-under-par 70, one shot ahead of 1999 champion Patrick Mitchell on a steamy day at Fripp Island.

Simmons was among a trio of pursuers at even-par 70, joined by Tommy Holloway and 2012 winner J.D. Hoft. From there, it was another three shots to James Emerson in sixth place.

Sunday’s final round will take place at Fripp Island’s Ocean Creek layout.

Simmons would author the championship’s first three-peat if he can overtake O’Quinn, though he’ll have to do it on a different layout than the others. The Sanctuary at Cat Island was the final-day site in the previous two years, but was unavailable for this edition.

Bruce Kline and Chuck Hinners shared Saturday’s lead in the senior division after matching 75s, one stroke ahead of Belton McCarty. Nolan Dorner and Wes Grantham also were co-leaders in the pro division after carding 85s.

This story was originally published July 30, 2016 at 4:37 PM with the headline "Matt O’Quinn leads at midway point of Beaufort City golf tourney."