Texas duo battling for 13-14 title

Branson Davis and Nicholas Robert traveled together from McKinney, Texas, to Dothan to participate in the 60th Annual Press Thornton Future Masters.

They’ll be paired in the same foursome today with a chance to take home a championship in the 13-14 age division.

Davis fired a 3-under par 67 for the second straight day and is tied for the lead with Jacob Harper of Valley, who also shot a 67 for the second day in a row for a two-day 134.

Robby Shelton of Wilmer, last year’s 11-12 division winner, is a stroke off the lead after shooting a blistering 66 on Monday for a two-day 135. Robert is at 136 following a round of 69 to go along with his opening-round 67.

The leaders are scheduled to tee off at 12:20 this afternoon.

Also in contention is Jared Bettcher of Auburn, who shot a 68 on Monday for a two-day 138, followed by Preston Heyward of Duluth, Ga., at 139 and Fred Allen Meyer of Nicholasville, Ky., at 140.

First-round leader Victor Wiggins of Gastonia, N.C., who shot a first-round 66, had a tough day of it with a second-round 75 to stand at 141.

The cut was at 155 with 72 players making into the final round.

Davis, finishing well before Robert, was hoping his friend would be among the leaders when the second round came to an end.

“We play against each other about once a week, so it would be fun to be in the same group,” Davis said.

Davis did his part to be among the leaders by making birdie on three of his first eight holes. He finished with six birdies.

“I took advantage of birdie opportunities,” Davis said. “I didn’t hit my drives as well, but when I hit my iron shots close, I took advantage.”

Robert started off fast as well, firing a 33 on the front nine. He says he’ll have to play aggressive to have a chance for a win today.

“I think I’m going to have to shoot a 65,” Robert said. “I’ll have to stay aggressive and make some more putts.”

Harper believes taking a consistent approach will be the key.

“I tried to make 18 straight pars both days,” Harper said. “I’ll try to do so again.”

Shelton, a 13-year-old, had the best round of the day at 66. Starting on the back nine, Shelton made birdies on Nos. 10, 12, 13, 18, 8 and 9.

“I just went out there and hit every iron close,” Shelton said. “I drained all my birdie putts.”

Bettcher used strong putting en route to his 68

“It could have been better, could have been a lot worse,” Bettcher said. “I made a lot of par saves — 10 one putts. On No. 14, I hit a 45-foot birdie putt.

“Right now, my game has been my putting. If I got on the green, I knew at worse I would two-putt.”