Favourite Allenby makes move at Masters

BY Bruce Young | Australasian PGA Tour | 2008 Australian Masters | Round Two | 28 Nov 2008

Pre-tournament favourite Robert Allenby made the most of the benign conditions early on day two of the Sportsbet Masters, his six under par round of 66 including a final nine of 31 moving him into contention after a slow start on day one.

As he walked from his last hole of the day he had moved from 1 over to 5 under and was at that point three behind surprise leader Anthony Summers, who was still on the golf course.

Allenby made a change to his putting routine during his round today and it paid dividends.

“It was about freeing myself up after looking at the hole and not spending so much time over the ball,” he said after his round.

Allenby’s late charge included an eagle after a three wood to the par five 6th.

“That got the spark going,” he said. “While I was disappointed not to have birdied the 7th, it was nice to birdie the 8th and 9th and I am now looking forward to the weekend.”

“The day appears to be getting better and I wouldn’t be surprised if a score of ten under was leading by the end of the day but it does not bother me as I know what I need to do tomorrow.”

Soon after he had finished the first round leader South African Tim Clark was finishing off his second round. Clark recorded a round of 70 to go with his opening 67 and sits at 7 under and one behind Summers.

Clark was one of the last to finish last evening and was out early on day two.

“It was great to have been able to get the round finished last night. It could have been a lot better as I created a lot of chances. The greens were softer.”

Clark has come off another solid season in the US where he has made more than US$1.7 million.

“I worked hard after my last event at Disney and my game feels as good as it has all year. I like the golf course and this style of play. It reminds me a little of some of the courses in the Johannesburg area but without the altitude of course.”