Arlington, TX – Joshua Irving continued his strong play during the second round of the 2017 North Mid-Amateur after firing a one-under-par 71. Brandon Scott and Mike Louden trail Irving heading into the final round by five strokes after posting a two day total, 143.
 
Joshua Irving from Irving didn’t exactly start of the way he hoped when he teed off at 8:18am this morning off #1 tee. Irving double bogeyed the uphill 578 yard par five, second. Irving quickly bounced back by draining in a birdie on the 172 yard par three, third. He didn’t stop there though, as he poured three birdies through his next four holes on the fifth, sixth, and seventh. Irving tallied a total of five birdies on the day to extend his four stroke lead from the first round to five strokes, posting a 36-hole total 138.
 
Irving is not shy from stealing the spotlight at Texas Golf Association championships, as he currently holds back-to-back State Player of the Year and 2015 North Player of the Year awards. Irving will have all eyes on him as he tees off during the final round of the North Mid-Amateur at 9:57am off #1 tee.
 
Trailing Irving after two rounds are Brandon Scott and Mike Louden with a 36-hole total, 138. Scott and Louden, whom will find themselves paired with Irving tomorrow, look to try and overcome their five stroke deficit in the final 18 holes. Scott kept a relatively clean scorecard with carding two birdies and two bogeys. Scott currently holds a one stroke lead over Trophy Club’s Trevor Arts in the Mid-Master (ages of 40 and older) recognition. Arts posted a one-under-par 71 during the second round and try to continue his great play this week when he tees off at 9:48am off #1 tee.
 
Louden posted a two-under-par 70 for his second round of play to get into a tie for second with Justin’s Scott. Louden tallied four birdies on his round with his two bogey’s coming on the scenic 138 year par three, 14th and the 172 yard par three, third. Louden and Scott will look to gain ground quickly on Irving when they tee off at 9:57am off #1 tee on Sunday.
 
Even with the North Texas winds down for the players on this sunny Saturday in March, Tierra Verde Golf Club continued to be a test as the scoring average remained the same as round one at roughly eight strokes over par.
 
The final round of the North Mid-Amateur will begin Sunday at 8:00am off the 1st and 10th tees. Irving will try to fend off the players looking to overcome their respective deficits when he tees off at 9:57am off #1 tee. For complete results through 36-holes, click here.