Mark Goetz was a late entry into the Westmoreland County Amateur.
The Greensburg native and West Virginia golfer entered the field Friday, along with returning champion Brady Pevarnik of Latrobe.
Goetz, who led the West Penn Amateur for 53 holes last week, shot a 7-under-par 65 during the first round Saturday at Totteridge Golf Course to take a five-shot lead heading into the final round Sunday. Earlier in the week, Goetz shot a 64 at the R. Jay Sigel Match Play qualifier.
“I played well,” Goetz said. “I dropped an early putt that seemed to get me going.”
The Kiski School grad had a bogey-free round, which included seven birdies (Nos. 1, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 17).
Goetz played well during the final round of the West Penn Amateur until the final three holes at the difficult Oakmont Country Club.
“I’ve put that behind me,” Goetz said. “I played a great nine-hole stretch and then just didn’t finish. My caddie and I talked and then I forgot about it.”
Oakmont native and Hannastown Golf Club member Sean Knapp, who has won the West Penn Amateur a record eight times, is five shots back after shooting a 2-under 70.
Tied for third are Pevarnik and B. J. Torau after an even-par round of 72.
Pevarnik, who is playing in the West Penn Open at Valley Brook on Tuesday, had three birdies (Nos. 4, 7 and 15) and three bogeys (Nos. 5, 6 and 15) during his round.
The future Penn State golfer has a loaded schedule this summer but decided to defend his title.
The field of 28 included three-time PIAA girls champion Katie Miller, a Hempfield graduate. Miller shot a 6-over 78.
Brian Fajt and Arnie Cutrell each shot a 1-over par 73.
