Berberian takes 36-hole lead by three at PGA Assistant Championship

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Richard Berberian Jr. of Derry, New Hampshire, shot a second consecutive round in the 60s at PGA Golf Club on Friday to take the 36-hole lead at the 38th National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship.

Berberian Jr., PGA Assistant Professional at Windham (New Hampshire) Country Club, fired a 3-under-par 69 in the second round on the Wanamaker Course for an 8-under-par 136 total. He owns a three-stroke lead over Brian Norman of The Colony, Texas.

A group of six players share third at 140 – Scott Ford of Manhasset, New York; Brett McCurdy of West Palm Beach, Florida; Savio Nazareth of Kernersville, North Carolina; Chris Nicol of Marietta, Georgia; Kevin Snell of Eagleville, Tennessee; and Grant Sturgeon of Mamaroneck, New York.

Following today's play, the field was reduced to the low 70 scorers and ties, with 75 players making the cut at 5-over-par 149. The 72-hole National Championship runs through Sunday.

Berberian made five birdies to offset a pair of bogeys in his second round, which started under benign conditions before winds picked up late in the round.

“The wind was tough over the final few holes, but I was able to keep the ball in play off the tee,” said Berberian, who played in the morning wave on Friday. “That always makes it easier to score regardless of what the wind is doing.”

Berberian is making his second appearance in the PGA Assistant Championship and first since 2010, when he finished ninth on the same Wanamaker Course.

“I haven’t played as consistently as I would like this week, but my putting has really kept me in both rounds,” said Berberian. “I’ve made the putts when I had to – whether it’s been for birdie, par or bogey.”

Norman, PGA Assistant Professional at Eldorado Country Club in McKinnney, Texas, shot 72 in the second round.

“Today was a bit of a grind. I hit a few loose tee shots, but I’ll get that straightened out this weekend,” said Norman, who has a pair of top 10s in his previous three appearances in the PGA Assistant Championship. “In previous Championships I haven’t been in this good of a position heading into the weekend, so I feel pretty good about my chances.”

Nazareth, PGA Assistant Professional at Starmount Forest Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, was the co-leader after the opening round. However, he struggled to a 75 in the second round Friday.

“I made two bad swings today, made a double bogey on both holes, and that cost me,” said Nazareth. “I just need to get my confidence back like I had yesterday. I still have two days left. I haven’t shot myself out of the tournament, and I’m looking forward to the weekend.”

Defending Champion Frank Bensel of Purchase, New York, shot a second-round 77 and is tied for 50th. Bensel is seeking his record fourth title in the Championship.

At stake this weekend is a berth into the 48th PGA Professional National Championship, June 28 – July 1, 2015, at Philadelphia Cricket Club.

The winner will also collect $9,000 of a $100,000 purse.

The 132-player field for the National Championship featured three of the top-4 finishers from last year's Championship, as well as 128 players who advanced through their PGA Section Championships.