The field is set for the final day of the 120th Vermont Amateur Championship at Ekwanok Country Club, where Lucas Politano surged into the lead after an impressive second-round 66. Following an opening-round even-par 70, Politano sits at 4-under par through 36 holes and will carry a one-shot advantage into Thursday’s demanding 36-hole finale.
After leading following the opening round, Alex Leonard remained in contention with a second-round 68 to finish the day at 3-under, just one stroke off the lead.
Two players are tied for third at even par. Garren Poirier matched Leonard with a 68 to climb into contention, while Evan Russell followed his opening-round 71 with a 69 to remain firmly in the hunt entering the final day.
Luke Russell and Stephen Goodridge share fifth place at 2-over par. Russell posted an even-par 70 in the second round, while Goodridge improved on his opening-round 72 with a 70 to stay within striking distance.
William Mallia made one of the biggest moves of the day, firing a 69 to climb into a tie for seventh at 3-over alongside first-round co-runner-up Austin Giroux.
Ryan Porter produced one of the best rounds of the day with a 3-under 67, vaulting up the leaderboard into a tie for ninth at 4-over. Peter Reilly joined him at 4-over after carding a 69.
Following 36 holes, the field has been trimmed to the low 40 players and ties, who advance to Thursday’s championship finale. Competitors will face a true test of endurance as they play 36 holes in one day, with the third and fourth rounds determining the 120th Vermont Amateur Champion and the recipient of an exemption into the 2026 U.S. Amateur Championship.
With just four strokes separating Lucas Politano and the players tied for third, the championship remains wide open heading into the final 36 holes at one of Vermont’s most storied golf courses.