Stunning Scott shares lead in Melbourne
Course-record-equaling 63 to share the lead with David Micheluzzi heading into the weekend
Adam Scott set a course-record-equalling 63 on Friday to share the lead with fellow countryman David Micheluzzi heading into moving day at the ISPS HANDA Australian Open.
Scott started the day six shots behind overnight leader Micheluzzi but carded five birdies and that closing eagle at Victoria Golf Club to soar to the summit at eight under par for the 2009 champion.
Former World Number One Scott admitted he had been frustrated with his 71 on the opening round but was pleased with how he used his experience at Victoria Golf Club as he looks for DP World Tour win number 12 and a second on home soil.
“I kind of tempered my expectations on everything, my own ability today and what I can do to the golf course. I really felt like I had to come out here, really not take any chances, not push anything. If it was tricky at all, to play safe. I executed most of the day, so even when I laid back, I managed to put it in a good spot still and take the trouble out and not make any errors.”
Micheluzzi had maintained his three-shot advantage for much of the day but bogeyed the 16th and 18th at Kingston Heath Golf Club to sign for a 71.The 26-year-old is relishing the chance to play in the final group on Saturday with an idol and 2013 Masters Tournament Champion Scott.
“It's pretty cool. It's one of the things I've dreamed of, Australian Open with Scotty, yeah, yeah, it will be insane. The amount of people that will be there and all that will be pretty cool. I'm just looking forward to it.
“I'm just going to go out and play some golf. If it's good enough it's good enough, if not, won't stress. I know I'm playing good golf going into next year or going into the next couple of events after this. I'll just keep plugging away at it and if it happens it happens. If not, then so be it, go on to the next one.”
Josh Geary shot a 69, while Haydn Barron and Gunner Wiebe both recorded rounds of 68 to sit a shot ahead of Dane Nicolai Højgaard, German Velten Meyer, Frenchman Pierre Pineau and home duo Cameron Percy and Shae Wools Cobb. An impressive bounce back from yesterday to Dubai based Adrian Meronk as he ralied from his opening round over three over par with a six under 66 to be sitting five shots off the lead at 11 under par.
In the women's event Australia's Hannah Green leads on 11 under, while World Number One Kipp Popert has a one stroke advantage over Ireland's Brendan Lawlor in the Australian All Abilities Championship @ the ISPS HANDA Australian Open.