Leaderboard tightens on cut day at LECOM Suncoast Classic
Jose Fernandez Valdes and Michael Johnson are tied for the lead at 12-under-par.
By
Vinnie Portell
| 7:43 a.m. April 18, 2025
East County
Sports
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Players were forced to go low Thursday if they wanted to make the cut at the LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National.
The cut line finished at 5-under-par following second round of play as the field has been whittled down to the top 69 players.
The first-round leader, Jose Fernandez Valdes, remained atop the leaderboard after the second round despite shooting a two-under-par 69 one day after shooting a 10-under-par 62.
Fernandez Valdes has some company near the top.
Michael Johnson carded a 5-under 66 on Thursday to tie Fernandez Valdes at -12 while six other players are close behind at 10-under-par or better.
Notable names in the hunt include 2024 Masters Tournament Low Amateur Nate Shipley (-10) and Korn Ferry Tour points leader Hank Lebioda (-7, T25). Scott Gutschewski, who won the LECOM Suncoast Classic in 2023, made the cut with a 69-68 (-5).
Anyone who wants to take in the action can purchase tickets at LECOMSuncoastClassic.com/tickets.
Patrons should be advised that parking for the tournament can be found at Premier Sports Complex, with trolleys provided shuttles back and forth. Both parking and the shuttle service are free of charge.
Jose Fernandez Valdes watches his tee shot on No. 14 at Lakewood National Thursday. He shot 2-under 69 and is tied for the tournament lead through two rounds.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Jose Fernandez Valdes takes a break by resting on a cooler during the second round of the LECOM Suncoast Classic. Fernandez Valdes (-12) has led after each of the first two rounds.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Neal Shipley, the 2024 Masters Tournament Low Amateur, tries to see where his drive landed on the par-5 No. 6 at Lakewood National. Shipley is tied for fourth place in the LECOM Suncoast Classic.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Neal Shipley watches his chip shot go toward the pin on No. 6 at Lakewood National. Shipley would go on to make birdie on the hole.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Roberto Diaz grimaces after missing a putt on No. 11 at Lakewood National Thursday. Diaz shot a 1-over 72 and missed the cut.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Nick Gabrelcik waits for a course official to figure out how he is going to take relief from the cart path during Thursday's second round of the LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood National.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Nick Gabrelcik punches out of the pine straw after taking relief from the golf cart path on No. 11 Thursday at Lakewood National. Gabrelcik is tied for 37th at 6-under-par.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Luke Gifford is forced to shoot sideways after sailing over the green on the par-3 No. 13 during the second round of the LECOM Suncoast Classic on Thursday.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Dan McCarthy punches out near the brush on No. 14 at Lakewood National Thursday during the second round of the LECOM Suncoast Classic.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Paul Haley II nearly holes out on a greenside chip on No. 11 at Lakewood National. Haley II missed the cut after shooting 1-over-par through the first two rounds.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Davis Chatfield watches his approach shot fly just past the green on No. 12 at Lakewood National during the second round of the LECOM Suncoast Classic. Chatfield is tied for ninth place at 9-under-par.
Photo by Vinnie Portell
Nate Stember lines up his birdie putt on No. 6 at Lakewood National during the second round of the LECOM Suncoast Classic. Stember shot a 1-under 70 and is at 7-under par.
