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HAMILTON – Over his final four holes Tuesday, Jude Cummings turned a decent round into a very good one.

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Cummings, 14, finished with an eagle, birdie and two pars to shoot 1-over 73 and take a two-stroke advantage into the final round of the 59th New York State Boys’ Sub-Junior Amateur at Seven Oaks Golf Course.

Cummings, of Pittsford, leads Shawn Colella by two strokes in the Boys’ Division (ages 14-under). Samuel Taylor is solo third after shooting 76, and will be paired with Cummings and Colella in the final group for Wednesday’s final round. They tee off No. 1 at 9:20 a.m.

Sitting at 4-over after his opening 14 holes, Cummings got the strong finish he needed.

“The last four holes really helped,” said Cummings, who began his round on the back nine.

The shot that jumpstarted his late charge was his drive on the 310-yard par-4 6th. Cummings bombed one up the hill to within 10 feet of the hole, then knocked in the eagle putt to move to 2-over.

“I got a lucky bounce left and it just rolled up the slope and right onto the green,” Cummings said.

On the par-5 7th, Cummings continued his inspired play by making birdie, then closed out his round with solid pars on the 8th and 9th holes.

Colella, a 13-year-old from Marcellus, had two double bogeys, but overall was pleased with his round of 75, and to be in position to win the tournament.

“I was really happy,” Colella said. “I played well and had a good round. I just did some stupid stuff as far as judgment. I just have to play the same tomorrow and just get rid of those doubles.”

Ian Wagner (Medina) and Luke Stanley (South Wales) are tied for fourth after posting matching 77s. Matthew Jackson, Ryan Hart and Jimin Jung shot 78, and are tied for sixth. Ross Burgmaster and Ryan Lovelass shot 79 and are within striking distance of the lead.

Cummings knows he will have to be mentally strong to win this tournament. The mental aspect of his game helped him keep his first round together.

“On my first nine holes I didn’t shoot what I wanted to,” Cummings said. “But, I grinded it out and shot a pretty good score. I know I’ll have to play well, but I’m looking forward to some good play tomorrow.”

NOTE: Aiden Spampinato made a hole-in-one on the 179-yard par 3 11th hole. Spampinato, 13, hit a 4-hybrid for his first-ever ace.

-Nick Sardina – Mid-York Sports Report