Scott Arnold maintains Riversdale lead
BY Anthony Powter | Australian Mens Amateur Tour | 2008 Riversdale Cup | Round Two | 08 Mar 2008
Scott Arnold has built on yesterday’s round of 65 at the Riversdale Cup in Melbourne, with a second round 69, to be at 10-under-par, with a one-stroke advantage over Josh Younger and Kieran Pratt, both at 9-under-par.
Kiwi Danny Lee remains dangerously close to the leaders, two behind Arnold and 8-under-par, whilst Australian Amateur champion, Rohan Blizard is at 6-under-par, and in 5th position.
Jason Scrivener, following rounds of 67-72, is at 5-under-par with Kalem Richardson and Peter Hall, whilst a swag of players are currently six strokes from the leader including National Squad member, Matthew Griffin.
Arnold was feeling relieved following today’s second round after struggling with a wayward driver at times during the day, on a layout noted for requiring precision off the tee.
“I’m certainly happy to get that score today,” said Arnold, ranked 33rd in the world. “I will not hesitate to use a 3-wood more often tomorrow, that’s for sure. It’s not a long course and you simply need to keep it on the fairway.”
“I’m hitting my mid and short irons really well at the moment and that’s gives you the confidence to play a course like Riversdale well. I’m feeling the form is there, and looking forward to the next two rounds.”
Attention is also starting to focus upon Danny Lee to see if he can repeat his last performance in Australia in January at the Lake Macquarie Amateur. The world number five crushed a similar field at Belmont, winning by a massive ten strokes from nearest rival, Matthew Griffin.
Kieran Pratt from Commonwealth Golf Club, fired a 7-under-par, 65, after an opening round 70, to secure the day’s low round, followed by Kalem Richardson from Tasmania and New Zealand’s Danny Lee, both having rounds of 5-under-par, 67.
Lee continues to be a real threat to the leaders this week in Melbourne. It will be interesting to see if he makes his move tomorrow when the field will be cut to top 51 players and ties for Monday’s final round.
