Justin McMasters played in two professional golf tournaments before he realized his degree from Lee University would be of more use than clubs.

McMasters regained his amateur status just in time to play in the Cleveland Invitational at Cleveland Country Club. He shot 6-under-par round of 66 on Saturday and leads by three shots over former Lee University teammate Ryan Hulton.

“Coming out of college I was a little cocky, and I got a few people to give me money and sponsor me,” McMasters said. “I missed the cut in both tournaments and decided I wasn’t quite good enough to be a pro.”

Former Lee golfer Matt Robertson is two strokes back after he made six birdies and an eagle to go with five bogeys. Ryan Hulton shot 69 to make it an all-Lee final group this afternoon.

Current Lee coach John Maupin also shot 69 on Saturday. John Lambert shot 70, Scott Melton shot 71, and Tom Baird made 18 pars for a 72.

Since McMasters’ professional attempts, golf has taken a backseat to other aspects of his life. He’ll get a tee-time a few times a month, not nearly as often as his college days.

“I now work 45 hours a week, and I got married and got fat,” said McMasters, who worked at Cleveland Country Club for three summers. “I ended up being just a weekend warrior.”

McMasters regained his amateur status on Wednesday, which makes this his first competitive tournament in nearly two years. He made seven birdies including four over his last nine holes on Saturday.

“This is probably the only time I’ve been on top of the leaderboard in my entire career,” said McMasters, who lost three putting contests after his round to friends Hulton and Josh Coley. “I get lucky every once in a while.”

Robertson said he used a little bit of luck on Saturday, especially on the par-5 No. 8 where he made an eagle despite missing the fairway. He said he’s played less than a dozen times this season.

“I told the guys in my group that if I had every range ball at Cleveland Country Club, I still wouldn’t be able to hit that same shot,” Robertson said of his approach that landed four feet from the cup.

Hulton made five birdies including three straight to start his back side while playing in the same group as McMasters.

“I made the turn and got hot,” Hulton said. “It’s a twoday tournament, and I thought it would take 6 or 7 under to win, so if I shoot 3 or 4 under again, I’ll take it.”

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