Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, July 17, 1994                   TAG: 9407180154
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C-9   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

WOOD HOLDS 2-SHOT LEAD IN STATE OPEN

``I'm standing in the middle of the 12th fairway 12 under par and in great shape,'' Wood said of what was a four-shot lead, ``and I bogey the next two holes.''

Those bogeys contributed to an even-par 72 for Wood at the 6,684-yard Willow Oaks Country Club course. The round left Wood, a 25-year-old touring pro who grew up in the Martinsville area, with a 54-hole total of 10-under 206 and a two-shot lead over his two closest challengers.

Four other players found themselves within five shots of the lead heading into today's final round.

David Partridge of Richmond, the 1992 State Amateur champion, fired a 5-under 67 and is at 208.

``I played a pretty solid round,'' said the 39-year-old insurance executive, who had five birdies and no bogeys.

Danville pro Craig Gunn, the 1992 State Open champion, was 2 over on his round until he birdied the last three holes for a 71 that left him at 208 in the chase for the $12,000 top prize, largest in State Open history.

Two-time State Amateur champion Keith Decker of Fieldale struggled to a 72 and was at 7-under 209, three shots out of the lead.

Tied at 211 were three-time State Amateur champion and 1985 State Open winner Tom McKnight of Galax, who shot a 69, and Richmond pro Sam Stein, who carded a 71.

Curtis Deal of Chesapeake, a 20-year-old Virginia Tech player, had a 67 and was tied at 212 with Charlottesville pro Rob McNamara, who shot 70.

Keywords:
GOLF