​Lucas Politano’s birdiefest has the 2024 champion in an ideal position, perched atop the Vermont Amateur leaderboard as the field heads into the final day at Ekwanok Country Club for the 120th edition. The former Otter Valley Union High School standout closed with four birdies over the last six holes for a 66 in the second round on Wednesday, July 8, grabbing a one-shot lead over Day 1 leader Alex Leonard.
Politano, who became the tournament’s youngest champion since 1999 when he won in a four-player playoff two years ago, stands 4-under through 36 holes. Leonard sits at 3-under after carding a 68 on Wednesday, while former champions Garren Poirier and Evan Russell are tied for third following rounds of 68 and 69, respectively, pushing them to even par for the tournament. Luke Russell and Stephen Goodridge sit tied for fifth at 2-over.
Former CVU standout and Day 1 leader Alexander Leonard’s resurgence and Politano’s late surge form a compelling lead-up to Thursday’s conclusion. William Mallia, who finished Day 2 with a 69, and Austin Giroux sit in seventh place, each at 3-over.
Before Politano’s sizzling 66, Ryan Porter posted the tournament’s then-lowest round with a 67. Porter and Peter Reilly are tied at 4-over for ninth. The day’s other sub-par effort came from Troy Goliber, who sits at 5-over and is tied for 11th with Taylor Bellemare.
Politano told the Vermont Golf Association that his irons finally started clicking on the back nine, where he carved out a 32. “Putter got hot toward the end,” Politano said, noting that his confidence was building as he closed out the round. He arrives at Ekwanok after a breakthrough, record-setting freshman year at Rutgers University, with momentum and belief fueling his bid to defend his title.
As the field moves into the finale, the top 40 players (plus ties) from the second round will tee off Thursday, July 9, for a 36-hole finish at Ekwanok. The standings after the second round (Wednesday) at Ekwanok Country Club show Politano (Ralph Myhre) leading at 70-66—136, followed by Leonard (Lakeside) at 69-68—137. Poirier (Rutland) is at 72-68—140, and Russell (VT National) at 71-69—140, rounding out the tight cluster at the top.
Luke Russell (Stowe) stands at 71-71—142, and Stephen Goodridge (Brattleboro) at 72-70—142, placing them just two strokes behind Politano. William Mallia (Ekwanok) is at 74-69—143, while Austin Giroux (Newport) sits at 70-73—143. Ryan Porter (802 Golf Academy) is at 77-67—144, with Peter Reilly (Quechee) at 75-69—144. Taylor Bellemare (Ekwanok) and Troy Goliber (VT National) are at 72-72—145 and 76-69—145, respectively, rounding out a crowded leaderboard.
Other notable scores include Bryan Smith (Burlington) at 72-74—146, Michael Walsh (Burlington) at 75-71—146, Jay Zanleoni (Quechee) at 72-75—147, and Sebastian Pell (Rutland) at 75-73—148. Walker Allen (Neshobe) is at 76-72—148, Mathew Smith (Manchester) at 75-74—148, Nick Ojala (Proctor-Pittsford) at 75-74—149, and Travis Russell (Lakeside) at 76-73—149. Brady Fallon (Ralph Myhre) sits at 75-75—150, with Brett Roland (Ekwanok) and Brooks Thompson (Ekwanok) at 78-72 and 75-75—150, respectively. Jackson Fellis (Stowe) is 75-76—151, Eric Gerdes (Barre) at 79-72—151, Brody Yates (Kwiniaska) at 76-75—151, and Nathan Benoit (Champlain) at 75-76—151. Tyler Parker (Copley) is 75-76—151, Gavin Letourneau (West Bolton) sits in the group at 151 as well.
Politano reflected on his improvement and focus as the final round approaches, emphasizing the momentum he built from a strong back nine that afternoon and the confidence he’s carried from Rutgers. With the top 40 players plus ties advancing to the final round, the stage is set for a climactic finish at Ekwanok.
Note: All round summaries and standings reflect the second round through Wednesday, July 8, with the final round scheduled for Thursday, July 9, at Ekwanok Country Club.