Longmore, Chapman top Aussie Mid-Am with one round to go
Dale Clarke is tied for third (Golf Australia photo)
WOODCROFT, Australia (Nov. 8, 2018) –
Greg Longmore shares the lead after two of three rounds of the Australian Mid-Amateur Championship in South Australia, yet he’s got a small problem.
The Tasmanian sits alongside Adelaide’s Phil Chapman in the lead at 2-over par on the challenging Vines Golf Club at Reynella layout south of Adelaide.
But, remarkably, Longmore hasn’t fired a back-nine birdie in two days and has played the closing nine a combined 6-over par.
Naturally, with a quality field bunched hard up on their heels – four more players are within two strokes – Longmore has a clear vision for his final round.
“I’ve really struggled on that back nine, I’m yet to have a birdie out there and it’s been a real struggle,” said the Launceston Golf Club member, who began his second round off the tenth tee.
“But I came home strong. The front nine was really good … and I holed a few putts.”
But he wasn’t alone. For the second straight day, the front nine was far more forgiving for the 85-strong field, yielding 77 birdies to 42 on the way in.
Longmore and Chapman will be in the sights of two home-club members tomorrow with Michael Bruggeman (+4) and Tony Nobbs (+3) among those in contention with the latter shooting Day 2’s best round, an even-par 72.
The other main contenders are Kiwi Dale Clarke at 3 over, while former champion Andrew Tharle, of Royal Canberra, is two back at 4 over and still tied for fifth despite two uncustomary double-bogeys on his card over the first 36 holes.
In the women’s field, Louise Mullard, of New South Wales, holds an almost bullet-proof 18-stroke lead after rounds of 74-76 left her at 8 over.
Remarkably, Mullard has had 26 pars over the two days – more than anyone in the field, including the men.
ABOUT THE
Australian Mid-Amateur
The Australian Men's and Women's Mid Amateur
Championships have been played since 2007.
The
Championships are played over 54-holes stroke
play, and are for players aged 30 - 54 years.
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