Queenslander Rod Pampling has fired a second consecutive round of 63 to lead the Web.Com Tour’s BMW Charity Pro-Am in South Carolina.
Pampling, 45, is playing his first tournament since his father Ken’s sudden passing last month – making it even more remarkable that he has recorded the lowest 36-hole start this season by two strokes.
“It’s nice to see balls going in the hole,” the former Australian Masters champ said.
“In this game we see a lot of bad stuff, so when it’s coming around nice, you just enjoy the walk and don’t get in your own way. It’s certainly a more relaxing atmosphere having playing (amateur) partners.”
Pampling’s 18-under start is one off the Tour’s 36-hole record set by Kevin Chappell (2010 Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic) and Webb Simpson (2008 Chattanooga Classic).
The two-time PGA TOUR holds a four-shot lead over American Jason Allred, while fellow Aussie Bronson La’Cassie is also in the mix at 11 under in a five-way tie for fourth.
Pampling played at Green Valley Country Club in Greenville today, one of three host venues. His nine-under opening salvo came at The Reserve at Lake Keowee in Sunset and he’ll complete the rotation tomorrow at Thornblade Club in Greer.
In five PGA TOUR starts this year, Pampling’s best finish is a T10 in Puerto Rico. On the Web.com Tour, he has one top 10, a T8 at the Colombia Championship, in three appearances.
His amazing 19 birdies have been offset by just one bogey, recorded today on the 12th hole – and afforded him a wide grin as he explained his motivation.
“It’s the love of the game,” he said. “If you don’t love it, there’s not much point being out here, because the competition is too hard.
“I still want it bad. I love playing the game and getting up in the morning and doing the work.
“That part has never disappeared.
“It’s been frustrating because the ball isn’t going where it’s supposed to be going.”
It’s safe to say things have turned.