BELLEFONTE, Ky. — Don’t count Nathan Kerns out yet.

The Ironton golfer was in a three-way tie for ninth place after the first 36 holes of the Natural Resource Partners Bluegrass Junior Tournament, the current stop on the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA).

The second round of the three-day event will be Thursday.

Kerns fired a 1-over 35 on the front nine and shot even par on the back nine for a 71 total on the Bellefonte Country Club 6,028-yard, par 70 course.

Justin Thomas of Goshen, Ky., had a 6-under round of 64. He shot 33 on the front nine and 31 on the backside.

Matt Buse of Loveland was second with back-to-back rounds of 34 for a 68 total. Dustin Korte of Metropolis, Ill., had a 69 for third place.

Five other golfers were tied at four fourth place at 70.

Kerns was tied with William Herring of Lillington, N.C., and Patrick Rodgers of Avon, Ind.