Thomas Shoots a Second Round 68 to Take Lead at Otesaga Hotel Seniors Open

Craig Thomas of White Plains, N.Y., shot a second-round 68 to take the lead on day two of the Otesaga Hotel Seniors Open on Thursday in Cooperstown.

Thomas, who was three strokes off the lead after an opening-round 68 on Wednesday, holds a one-stroke lead over first-round leader Tim Conley of Braselton, Ga., and Dick Mast of Lynchburg, Va., after the second day of competition. Thomas’ two-day total of 136 leaves him at six strokes under par.

Conley shot a 72 on Thursday, while Mast followed up his opening-round 71 with a 66 on Thursday – leaving both at five-under par at 137.

Four golfers are tied for fourth at 138: Jerry Courville of Stratford, Conn.; Glenn Joyner of Melbourne, Australia; Kevin Savage of Baldwinsville, N.Y.; and Mark Tucker of New Hartford, N.Y.

Marc Hurtibise of Chambly, Quebec, carded the lowest round of the day on Thursday with a 64, leaving him six strokes off the lead at 142.

The 33rd annual tournament concludes Friday, with 83 senior golfers from throughout the country competing for a total purse of $65,000. The traditional post-Labor Day event is hosted by the Otesaga Hotel and its Leatherstocking Golf Course, with NBT Bank the presenting sponsor. An awards ceremony and check presentation to this year’s champion will follow the conclusion of play on Friday.

Proceeds from this event benefit Pathfinder Village, located in nearby Edmeston, N.Y., a residential community dedicated to children and adults with Down syndrome. Annually, the Seniors Open raises more than $50,000 for scholarships for Pathfinder Village.

Proceeds also benefit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum educational programs, which enable the world-famous Museum to fulfill its educational mission and care for its collections.

For more information on the Seniors Open and a complete list of scores, please visit www.otesagaseniorsopen.com.