Pike makes his move at Lake Macquarie Amateur
BY iseekgolf.com | Australian Mens Amateur Tour | 2007 Lake Macquarie Amateur | Round Two | 26 Jan 2007
» Round Two Photo Gallery – 2007 Lake Macquarie Amateur
He was a player who needed to produce some form following his performance in the Dunes Medal, but that wasn’t in Aaron Pike’s mind as he moved into contention during the second round at the Lake Macquarie Amateur. Pike joins Lester Peterson and Justin Roach, holding a one shot lead moving into the weekend at 6 under.
Pike took control of the course on a day where the Belmont layout was at the mercy of the players, yet the majority of the field failed to score. The cut finished at 4 over with seven players a shot from the leaders.
Joining Pike on the leaderboard is NSW representative Justin Roach, whose 5 under 67 was the lowest round for the day, yet he feels he can still improve. Roach, who had the benefit of traveling and playing with Tim Stewart and Grant Scott in the main US Amateur events last year is keen to improve on his 4th place finish in this event two years ago.
“It’s great to have played into contention. There’s still two rounds to play, but I can improve and finish better than my 4th in 2005. A lot will depend on how well you putt out there. The greens aren’t easy, all the players are having trouble, but if I get my line right, I’ll be in contention.”
Lester Peterson remains a real threat as he quietly went about his business today with a second round 2 under 70. Most of the buzz at Belmont was around overnight leader Andrew McCormack, who attracted his own gallery. A former winner of the Championship, Peterson has for many years played the Belmont layout well and is familiar with what’s required to score consistently in this event.
Peterson was last seen this evening, not working on his putting on the practice green, but turning the sausages on the grill at Belmont Golf Club for the NSW Colts team.
If ever there was a local favorite, not counting the period when Nick Flanagan returned to Belmont after his US Amateur victory, it’s Rudi Bezuidenhout.
Bezuidenhout didn’t disappoint his home club members, missing a birdie putt on the last hole cost the local the lead, he joins Patrick Wilson and Andrew McCormack one behind the leaders.
The best international performer was Scotland’s Steven McEwan at 3 under followed by James Gill from New Zealand at 2 under.
For the moment, Aaron Pike again has the attention of the gallery, more a result of his notoriety stemming from the Mastercard Masters. That’s not taking anything away from National Squad member. Pike looks confident and when he has that momentum, we’ve already seen what he can produce.
There’s others within striking range of Pike, representing a blend of experience with Lester Peterson and youth with the likes of Roach, McCormack and Bezuidenhount; a combination sure to make the weekend interesting at the Lake Macquarie Amateur.
Photo – Anthony Powter
