Townsend ovetakes Arnold at NSW Open

BY Anthony Powter | Von Nida Tour | 2008 New South Wales Open | Round Two | 14 Nov 2008

Aaron Townsend leads the NSW Open after the second round following a morning 4-under-par round of 67 and moves into the weekend at 12-under-par, five strokes ahead of his nearest rival, overnight leader Jamie Arnold.

“My game today was similar to yesterday,” said Townsend, who started his round one stroke behind Arnold.

“I don’t think the course was as hard today though. It played a little differently because it was a lot softer than yesterday.”

Townsend grew up in the region playing his junior golf in Newcastle. Despite the local knowledge and strong supporter base, Townsend is still coming to grips with the layout at The Vintage.

“It took a bit of getting used to because the ball wasn’t releasing out as much and the course was playing a little longer. Other than that the course is in great shape and playing beautifully.”

The second round was a different affair for Arnold as he was unable to repeat his efforts yesterday when the talented 25-year-old carded a course record at The Vintage with 7-under-par 62. Arnold finished his second round with a 2-over-par 73.

“I’m hitting the ball the best I ever have,” said Arnold after his round.

“The difference today was that I just did not have any putts drop. Other than that I feel my game is there and really looking forward for the weekend so as to get amongst it.”

Victorian Steven Jones is in outright third at 6-under-par followed by a group of seven players at 5-under-par, including Michael Long, Matt Griffin and Pymble Golf Club Trainee Professional Brett Mccullough.

The cut came in at 3-over-par with the field set to compete in the Team Challenge Pro-Am, where professionals and amateurs compete together in a four-ball, best-ball Stableford event during the final two days of the championship.