Brett Rumford leads the WA Open at the halfway mark after a run of three birdies in the final five holes at Royal Perth on Friday. The Western Australian showed a penchant for his home course with a five-under 67 to lead Adam Crawford and Scott Strange by two shots at nine under overall. Rumford, who birdied the last two holes, will now be hard to beat given his intimate knowledge of the course. “It&aposs just good to give myself the opportunities, obviously there are still a lot of dangers on 17 and 18 but if you can get some good drives away you can capitalise,” Rumford said. “It&aposs an exciting finish, 15 and 16 are tough holes if you don&apost get your driver in position, but there are plenty of birdies out there if you are patient enough and I was rewarded over the last two holes. “You really need to know where to pitch it and with today&aposs pin placements I have come unstuck a few times. “But that is the challenge of Royal Perth, the greens are very small and not always consistent in the bounce even though the speed has been the same, you have to be very precise.” Strange finished with a 69 while overnight leader Crawford shot a 70 to slip behind Rumford. Fremantle amateur Oliver Goss produced the day&aposs best round with a 66, including an eagle on the par-four eighth. The 18-year-old is tied for fourth at six under with Nick Cullen, Kim Felton and Brady Watt.
Author: Omnisport