Mayo sets new record to share lead with Tooley at Open

Published 9:29 pm Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Paducah’s Joey Mayo shot a new championship round course record with a 9-under par 62 to share the lead with Bowling Green’s Christian Tooley after the second round of the Kentucky Open on Wednesday at Indian Hills Country Club.
(kygolf.org)

Round 2 of the 107th Kentucky Open delivered exactly what “moving day” is known for, with players making significant moves up the leaderboard and setting the stage for an exciting final round.

The biggest story of the day belonged to a calm Joey Mayo. Mayo, from Paducah, was on fire Wednesday shooting a 9-under par 62, setting a new championship round course record. This 9-under round broke the record of 63 set by Bowling Green’s Nathan Hincks in the first round and moved him into share of the tournament lead.

To continue an exciting start to the day, Bowling Green’s Christian Tooley held a strong and consistent round. Rather than forcing shots, Tooley relied on a simple approach and played simple golf throughout his round, leading to a 5-under 65.

Several players made impressive climbs up the leaderboard. Lexington’s Grover Justice recorded one of Wednesday’s biggest jumps, moving up 49 spots after shooting a 66, an eight-shot improvement from Tuesday’s 74. Lexington’s Evan Cox also made a significant charge, climbing 28 positions with a 65 after opening the tournament with a 1-over 72.

Just one shot off the lead, Benton’s Trey Wall, Louisville’s Erik Edwards and Bowling Green’s CM Mixon enter the final round all tied for third at 8-under par, keeping the champion title well within reach.

Beyond those at the top of the leaderboard, there were other exciting moments out on the course Wednesday. One specific highlight came from host PGA Professional, John Mullendore, who holed out from 80 yards on the par four No. 11 hole, with a gallery of members following him. This was one of only five eagles on the day.

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The final round of the Kentucky Open is set for Thursday at Indian Hills.