Grace Kim has set herself up for a successful defence of the Australian Girl’s Amateur Crown after firing a second round 69 at Royal Perth Golf Club today.
The defending champion sits two shots behind Western Australian local Maddison Hinson-Tolchard and two shots clear of her Avondale clubmate, June Song.
Kim shot a blistering four under par 32 on the back nine (her front nine) with the only blemish on her card a disappointing bogey on the par-five 18th.
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She settled, however, and picked the shot back up quickly with a birdie on the 4th hole (her 14th). Disappointingly for Kim, she couldn’t close the round out and finished with another bogey on the Par four 8th, her last hole of the day.
Despite the late bogey, Kim was happy with her performance post round. The key, she said, was her distance control.
“It was better than yesterday.
“I was more aggressive and I hit a lot of shots quite close today.
“My carry distances were very good,” Kim said.
The 17-year-old from Avondale expects a tough time in tomorrow’s 36 hole final day marathon with all eyes watching her, however, she is looking forward to the challenge.
“I’ll be playing with June and Maddie, who are good friends, so I’m really excited to play,
“I can’t wait to see what will happen, but I know what it takes,” Kim laughed.
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Kim’s Avondale clubmate Song also made a move carding the equal-low round of the day, a six under par 67, to sit in outright third position. She was thrilled with her effort post round and excited about the thought of playing in the final group with her two good friends.
“I played pretty well today.
“I hit a lot of greens in regulation and putted very well.
“I’m looking forward to it. They are both good friends of mine.
Song said the key to her chances tomorrow could rest with her red-hot putter.
“Your putting has to be very good here.
"I worked on my putting after my round yesterday and today was much better,” Song smiled.
Overnight Leader Stephanie Kyriacou posted a disappointing two-over par 75 but remains well within striking distance of the lead. With the recent form she has been showing, the 36 hole stroke play Champion at the 2018 NSW Amateur is good enough to pounce.
Girls scores following Rd 2 (Leader at -9)
Grace Kim -7
June Song -5
Stephanie Kyriacou -2
Bella Kil +2
Sophie Yip +2
Monica Johnson +8
Claire Shin +9
Annika Boyd +11
Kara Williams +11
Belinda JI +12
Annika Rathbone +19
Isabelle Hawes (ACT) +20
Taylah Ellems +21
Jasmine Driscoll +22
Amber Thornton (ACT) +26