The second round of the Isuzu Queensland Open saw New Zealanders Kieran Muir and Ryan Chisnall make inroads on the leaderboard while Daniel Fox caught fire to equal course record at The Brisbane Golf Club.
After a frustrating opening round, Muir finished today with a round 3-under 68 to share the clubhouse lead at 4-under the card.
“It was a little easier than yesterday afternoon, there wasn’t as much wind and I played a lot better today,” said Muir.
“I really struggled with my ball striking in the first round so I spent a bit of time at the range afterwards then felt a lot better out there today. I hit it nicely and that’s why I just had the one bogey, I never got into any trouble.”
Muir was joined by Michael Wright, Blake Windred, Antonio Murdaca and Charlie Dann at 4-under the card.
Chisnall was on track for a great round before a late bogey on the 17th saw him finish with 4-under 67 to sit at 3-under the card.
“It was pretty solid, I’m really happy with that round, the wind picked up and I leaked a few shots but overall I’m pretty happy,” said Chisnall.
The first year professional was flawless through 12 holes reaching 6-under at one point before a couple of loose shots crept in.
“It was nice to see the ball rolling early and to get going on the front-9 after a slow start yesterday,” added Chisnall.
“It might be a bit tougher out there for the guys this afternoon so I think I’ll be there or thereabouts tomorrow.”
The round of the morning belonged to West Australian and the 2018 Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Champion Daniel Fox who admitted his form has been poor.
Today’s round of 6-under 65 was a surprise, but has instilled some confidence in the two-time ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia champion.
“I’m shocked more than anything, I had a horrible day yesterday I played bad and my attitude was worse. I did my best not to break anything yesterday that’s how frustrated I was and it’s been like this for months and months,” said Fox who’s course record equaling round thrust him safely inside the cut line at 2-under the card.
“So I didn’t do what I normally do, which is going to the pub and having a few beers to make myself feel better, I went out and practiced for a couple of hours afterwards on the range and more importantly some practice with the putting.
“I managed to find something at both ends and my putting was unbelievable today, I was rolling some in from off the greens and some putts that I’ve not even been close to making in the past.”
The highlight of the morning however, belonged to Victorian professional Ryan Woodward who hit his first tournament hole-in-one, the third since he began golfing, on the par-3 7th from 128 metres with his 8-iron.
The afternoon field is now on course.