Kesterson, Franks in top five at tournament

SPRINGFIELD - A pair of Mid-Missouri golfers are near the top of the standings after the second day of the Bass Pro Shops/Payne Stewart Junior Championship.

Walker Kesterson, who will be a junior this fall at Southern Boone High School, is tied for third at 141 after rounds of 71 and 70. Kesterson's round included six birdies and four bogeys.

Kory Franks, who will be a senior at Blair Oaks High School, is fifth with a total of 142. After shooting an opening-round 66 to hold the lead, Franks carded a 76 on Wednesday.

Winson Margaritis of Collierville, Tenn., leads the event (67-69-136). Pierce Aichinger of Cherry Hills, Colo., is next (71-69-140). Brian Dolehide of Hinsdale, Ill, is tied with Kesterson for third at 141.

Kesterson, Franks and Brett Darland of St. Louis are paired together for today's round at 8:48 a.m.

There are a total of 62 players in the event, which concludes today. It is put on by the American Junior Golf Association and played at Rivercut Golf Course.

On the girls side, Taylor Hayes of Lake Ozark is tied for seventh at 146 after shooting a pair of 73s.

Madeline Chou of Santa Ana, Calif., leads after shooting a 66 on Tuesday for a two-day total of 141. Zijun Yin of Shenzhen, China, and Aubree Jones of Covington, Tenn., are tied for second at 142.

A total of 21 players are participating in the girls event.