The greens were once again the talking point in round two of the ISPS Handa World Cup of Golf at Royal Melbourne. In near perfect weather conditions, the greens were firm and slick, challenging the world’s elite.
After an uncharateristic four-over 75 yesterday by the World No.2 Adam Scott that included a 9 on the par four 12th, Scott bounced back in impressive fashion shooting a three-under 68, just one shot off the best round of the day. The US Masters Champion had five birdies and a number that were awfully close but had a hiccup on the 11th with a double-bogey.
With Scott back firing, Jason Day played consistent earlier in the day with a one-under 70 and is currently tied for 3rd at four-under. The Australian pairing (-3) has now moved into a tie with Japan for third place in the team’s event with the USA leading at -10, followed by Denmark at -7.
Leading the individual competition is Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn who is eight-under the card with opening rounds of 66 and 68. One-shot back is American Kevin Streelman who shot a second round 69.
The rounds of the day at four-under 68 belonged to Hideto Tanihara (Japan), Oscar Fraustro (Mexico) and Italy’s Francesco Molinari who, like Scott yesterday had struggled in the opening round with a 75.
Should Scott and Day be able to play over the weekend like they did today, the Aussies should be in a position to contend in the team event on Sunday.