Scotland moves while Aussies rally in SA
BY Anthony Powter | Amateur Golf Tour | 2008 World Amateur Team Championships | Round Two | 17 Oct 2008
Scotland have moved to be equal leaders with the USA at 17-under-par following today’s second round of the Eisenhower Trophy in Adelaide.
Wallace Booth fired a 6-under-par 67 around Royal Adelaide Golf Club in a majestic display of power golf. Booth’s score combined with a 3-under-par 70 from Callum Macaulay resulted in the Scottish team erasing their two-shot overnight deficit to the Americans, who held the first-round lead.
“I knew they had the potential to do it,” said George Crawford, the Scottish Captain.
“We fear no-one and we have a very strong team and the way Wallace [Booth] played this course was simply amazing golf and great scoring. He went out with six birdies in a row after a bogey on a par five. It was fantastic golf.”
Booth used all his skill and experience around the 6593 metre Royal Adelaide layout, the longest course in World Amateur Team Championship history.
“I like the layout,” said Booth, a former Scottish wrestler and winner of the under-18 British wrestling championship.
“It’s tough and a great links, but at the same time it plays very fair.”
“There’s still two more rounds left, so I’m not getting too involved with were we stand equal with the US.”
Rickie Fowler from the USA has secured the lead in the individual section after a second round 5-under-par 67 on The Grange’s West course. Fowler, who is playing in his first World Amateur, is currently at 10-under-par, two strokes ahead of the Scotts, Booth and Macaulay, who hold a share of second place.
Fowler remains mindful that the Championship is a team event, however, he felt that he was feeding off how well the other members of the USA team are playing.
“If we keep pushing each other and playing well and somewhat competing against each other, we will push each other to play that much better,” said Fowler, currently ranked two in the world.
“With me playing well, it will only help the team.”
All three USA team members are inside the top-10 in individual scores for the Championship, with Jamie Lovemark at 7-under-par and in T4 position, whilst Billy Horschel is at 3-under-par and in T9 position.
“All three played well today,” said Walter Driver the USA captain.
“The pressure is there with every shot for these boys and they’ll do well. We are pleased to be where we are and be equal leaders, but we’ve got more long days of golf left.”
New Zealand has moved to outright 3rd position at 9-under-par with Jared Pender at 5-under-par and world number one Danny Lee at 4-under-par. Sweden are at 8-under-par and fourth, with Wales at 5th position at 7-under-par.
The Australian team took full advantage of early conditions and are at 6-under-par in 6th position, having moved from 17th position after its opening round at Royal Adelaide.
Tim Stewart was the day’s standout performer for the Australians, finishing with a 5-under-par 67, whilst Rohan Blizard carded a two-under-par 70. Matthew Griffin finished at 1-under-par and is with Tim Stewart as the best of the Australians at 2-under-par and T15th in the individual score.
“It feels great and it’s good having your name up on the leaderboard,” said Griffin, the world number five.
Griffin believes that the team has loosened up since yesterday’s opening round at Royal Adelaide and is ready to build up today’s score.
“I think yesterday there was such a build up that you sort of tighten up on the first tee. We should get better. Once you are in the tournament, the nerves are there but they are better kind of nerves.”
The Australians will play in the second last group of the seeded countries at The Grange tomorrow with Wales and Sweden, whilst the final group will be New Zealand, Scotland and USA. The final round will take place at Royal Adelaide on Sunday.
