Last month, Clarksburg’s Sean Bosdosh, 18, became the youngest player in 89 years to win a Maryland Amateur championship. Four weeks later, Burtonsville’s Denny McCarthy, 17, is on the doorstep of perhaps an even more impressive accomplishment.

After firing a 6-under-par 64 Tuesday at Manor Country Club, McCarthy (68-64 – 132) has a 4-stroke lead in the Maryland Open. With a victory Wednesday, McCarthy would become the youngest winner in the 89-year history of the event, which is open to professionals.

Ironically one of the players with a chance to catch McCarthy, Keith Unikel (67-69 – 136), was the youngest player to win a Maryland Open, doing it 12 years ago at age 19. Tied for second place is Lakewood member Michael Meyer (70-66 – 136). The only other player within 6 strokes of the lead is Towson Golf and CC member Jeff Castle (69-68 – 137).

McCarthy, a senior at Georgetown Prep who will play in the U.S. Junior Amateur next week, made seven birdies and one bogey on Tuesday. He has played his last 24 holes in the tournament at 9-under-par.