Sally Watson came to 13th Beach wanting early-season tournament practice.
It’s suddenly getting far more serious for the likeable Scottish woman who yesterday fired a second consecutive 69 to vault to eight under and a clear leader of the Women’s Victorian Open.
Watson was five shots clear after the morning field had completed their second rounds, cashing in on superb scoring conditions on the Bellarine Peninsula.
But the second-year Ladies European Tour professional didn’t want to be drawn on her winning chances, instead choosing to focus on her tactics.
After firing a blemish-free opening round on Thursday, she made six birdies but offset them with two bogeys today.
Yet Watson wasn’t content that she was aggressive enough on the same Beach Course she’ll play all weekend.
“The game is in good shape, so I don’t necessarily think I have to change any of that, it’s just continuing to push myself to attack when the opportunities present,” she said.
“My tendency not just today but every day is to play a little too conservatively.”
Watson finished high in the gruelling LET Q-school in late 2013 and was in contention once last year and eventually finished third, giving her confidence she’ll have the mental strength to withstand the inevitable pressure this weekend.
Her nearest rival at day’s end could possibly be another European, Marianne Skarpnord.
The Norwegian, who has moved into a house at 13th Beach this week with fiancé Richard Green, is making herself right at home again early in her second round.
She’s three under today and six under overall to trail Watson by two.
Of the other afternoon players heading in the right direction, Golf Australia rookie squad member Su-hyun Oh is two under through four holes to be two under overall.