HANOVER — Golf prodigy Lauren Thibodeau of Hampstead shot a four-over 75 in the best round of her life — all 12 years — and briefly was the clubhouse leader at Hanover Country Club on Wednesday.

By late afternoon, Manchester native Mindy Inglis-Reid jumped to the front of the pack with a one-over 72, taking a two-stroke on the second day of the New Hampshire Women's Golf Association championship.

The 43-year-old Inglis-Reid, who recently won the club title at Plausawa Valley Country Club of Pembroke, quietly moved into first-place by making two birdies and no doubles. Reid (78-72—150) leads Tracey Marshall (78-74—152) from Abenaqui Country Club of Rye. Fourteen-time champ Dana Harrity (72-81—153) of Abenaqui is tied for third with Cortney Tilley (78-75—153) of Atkinson Country Club.

Inglis-Reid, a Manchester Central graduate, won the NHWGA Junior title here at Hanover Country Club in 1986. The steady veteran has never finished better than third in the state amateur, celebrating its 90th tournament.

► NHWGA Championship scores

“Crazy things happen on the last day, especially on the last nine holes. I've played in this thing since I was 17 years old. I know how it goes,” Inglis-Reid said. “I don't have any big strategy. I'm just trying to put in a good round and see what happens.”

Marshall, a cool-headed 20-year-old, sank a 10-footer to eagle the par-five ninth hole. Despite twice sending drives into the woods on the back nine, she maintained her composure to earn a spot in today's lead group. Marshall said a rhinestoned panda bear on her hat reminds her to be aggressive yet stay relaxed.

“It's exciting to be right there. I'm trying to enjoy myself and play my game,” Marshall said. “There are times you need to step back and relax. Just move on to the next shot. That shot into the woods (on No. 13) didn't really bother me.”

Thibodeau, of Windham Country Club, sent a jolt through the clubhouse after signing her scorecard. On a day the course beat up some former champs, Thibodeau made five birdies to move into 10th place at 86-75—161. She described the outing as the best overall round of her career.

Best part of her game? Tough question.

“My putting and approach shots were really on today. My driving wasn't too bad either,” said Thibodeau, who sank a 20-foot birdie putt on No. 11.

Thibodeau, ready for seventh grade at Hampstead Middle School, barely missed another birdie on the final hole. She three-putted the two-tiered 18th green before receiving a loud ovation from players and spectators watching from the clubhouse deck. She isn't a teenager until November.

Hanover club pro Alex Kirk, also the women's golf coach at Dartmouth, was amazed at Thibodeau's shot making and mental toughness on the difficult par-71 layout.

“Honestly, she's like a prodigy to be playing that well at such a young age. She's playing in a big tournament and showing no fear factor,” Kirk said. “This is a true test of golf. To shoot 75 in this atmosphere is something else. There were really good college players and tournament-tested veterans who are playing rounds in the 80s.”

Thibodeau is 11 shots behind the leader. Defending champion Tara Watt of Derryfield Country Club in Manchester sits seventh at 78-79-157. Derryfield's Andrea Morrell of Manchester's Derryfield Country Club enters Thursday's final round in ninth at 76-85-161.

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Kevin Gray may be reached at kgray@unionleader.com.