(Story by John Boyette)

Another round at the Palmetto Amateur. Another perfect day for scoring.

Coastal Carolina’s Morgan Deneen blistered Palmetto Golf Club to the tune of eight birdies and one eagle Thursday. His round of 6-under-par 65, coupled with an opening 68, gave him a one-shot lead at the midpoint of the 72-hole tournament at 9-under.

Deneen made birdies at Nos. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15 and 18. His eagle came at the par-5 14th hole. He made bogeys at Nos. 3, 11, 12 and 17.

Caleb Proveaux of nearby Lexington, S.C., who plays for the University of South Carolina, made nine birdies in his round of 66 and is in second place at 8-under for the tournament. Proveaux opened his second round with three consecutive bogeys, but bounced back with birdies at Nos. 5 and 7. On the incoming nine, he made seven birdies against just one bogey to post 6-under 30.

Greyson Porter of Clearwater, Fla., is alone in third at 7-under (67-68), and Kyle Cox of Carrolton, Texas, is alone in fourth at 5-under (67-70). Four players are tied for fifth at 4-under par, including first-round leader Christian Salzer (66-72).

The field will be cut to the low 40 players and ties after Friday’s third round, and the tournament concludes Saturday. Admission to the tournament is free.