Libby's Johnston stays on top at Big I tournament

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Ryggs Johnston of Libby shot an even-par 70 on Wednesday to maintain his one-shot advantage at the 47th annual Trusted Choice Big “I” National Championship golf tournament at Prairie Dunes Country Club.

Johnston is at 209 after 54 holes.

Wells Padgett of Wichita, Kansas, also shot a 70 and is second with a 210 total.

Riley Griffin of Providence, Rhode Island, is third at 213.

Johnston, at 1-under for the tournament, opened with a 72 on Monday and followed with a 67 on Tuesday.

He had back-to-back birdies on the second and third holes Wednesday, but bogeyed the par-5 ninth. He also bogeyed the 10th and 15th holes, both par 3s. His other birdie was on the 14th, a par 4.

In girls play, Haley Thiele of Wahoo, Nebraska, shot a 70 Wednesday to keep her lead. She’s one stroke ahead of Dominique Galloway of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, who carded a 69.

Tournament play on the links course ends today.

Leading Boys

After 54 holes

1. Ryggs Johnston, Libby 72-67-70 — 209

2. Wells Padgett, Wichita, KS 71-69-70 — 210

3. Riley Griffin, Providence, RI 74-68-71—213

4. Nicholas Lyerly, Salisbury, NC 71-71-74— 216

T5. Ben Fernandez, Southlake, TX 76-72-70—218

T5. Mason Overstreet, Kingfisher, OK 71-75-72—218

T7. Reese McFarlane, Cape Elizabeth, ME 74-72-73—219

T7. Bill Ramage, Dallas, TX 68-73-78— 219

T9. Hunter Ostrom 2016, Eagle, ID 77-72-71—220

T9. Christian Salzer 2016, Sumter, SC 74-75-71—220