Both shot a 6-under 66 for the day as Deason of Augusta moved up from a tie for fourth place with a combined total of 133 that put him 11-under for the tournament, which concludes today.
Casko of Cartersville was one of five golfers tied for sixth after the first day, and Wednesday he moved to 10-under for a combined 134 in the tournament, a part of the Peach State Professional Golf Tour.
Deason and Casko both have a lot of experience at the local course and owe parts of their golf game to its golf pro, Scott Hamilton.
Deason has been walking its links about five years and said that experience likely helped his game.
“I’ve played this course a lot since I started working with Scott Hamilton in 2007,” he said. “Knowing the hole locations, where it can get a little tricky and when to play a little conservatively probably helped.”
Deason attributed part of his success to what he didn’t do. “I just didn’t make any stupid shots, and I had good speed on my putts all day. It was a stress-free round.”
Casko is another golfer who is familiar with the Cartersville course, having played it since his high school days when he was a member of the Cass High golf team. He also has learned golf under the tutelage of Hamilton.
Garland Smith of Augusta and Nick Newcomb of Danville Ky., are tied for third, at 135, and Paul Apyan of Knoxville, Tenn., is in fifth place, with a 136.
The Peach State Pro Tour, in its sixth season, includes some 20 events, 19 of which are in Georgia, and is based in Peachtree City.
Among its other tournaments is the Barnsley Gardens Classic, which was played in Adairsville on May 9-10.
Tee time is set at 8:50 a.m. today for Deason and Casko.