Patience pays off at delayed NSW Open
BY Anthony Powter | Von Nida Tour | 2007 New South Wales Open | Round Two | 09 Nov 2007
Darren Beck is feeling comfortable with Von Ninda Tour events this season and it’s showing. For the second time in as many weeks, Beck leads a tournament on the Tour as he enjoys a five-stroke margin moving into the third round of the NSW Open, being played at The Vintage Golf Club in the Hunter Valley.
Beck recorded a 68, to be at eight-under after he managed to squeeze in his eighteen holes before play was suspended due to fading light.
“It was a real grind out there today,” remarked Beck this evening.
“Six-hour rounds are every golfers worst nightmare and we got that today because of the rain. I was able to keep myself pretty dry and stay focus with my game it is seemed to work.”
“I’m just so glad we were able to get our last hole in, before that siren went so I do not have to get up early tomorrow.”
Beck’s nearest rivals, Ashley Hall, Jason Norris all at three-under, whilst amateur Luke Shahmatov, is also at three-under after fourteen and will joining over a dozen other players at 6.00am tomorrow to complete their second rounds.
With the cut anticipated between plus-four and six, The Vintage layout has dished the punishment out to the field.
“You miss the fairway and you’re in trouble as the rough is tough. Coupled that with the long par 3’s and sure it’s a tough track,” remarked Neven Basic, after his second round one-over 72 moved him back to T5th at two under, along with Heath Reed and amateur, Lincoin Tighe.
Jarrod Lyle’s two-under second round 69 was the second best round of the day, behind Ashley Halls’ four-under 68, and moved the Victorian to be within striking distance of the leaders at one-under. Defending Champion, Rick Kulacz is currently in T17th.
Local heroes, Nick Flanagan and James Nitties are more than certain to be around for the weekend once the top fifty and ties determine the cut. Flanagan is currently T28 at plus-three, whilst good mate Nitties is T38 at plus-four.
This evening’s dinner will see the balloting of amateurs with the professionals for the next two rounds.
Given the draining conditions of the last two days and the prospect of further challenges, Darren Beck’s summation appears on the money and the key to success with this year’s NSW Open; “You just have to be patient and not get annoyed or upset when faced with any difficulties and the results should follow.”
