Australian Nick O'Hern fired a six-under 66 to join former national amateur champion Kim Felton in the second round lead of the Australian Open at The Australian course yesterday.
O'Hern's round included seven birdies and just one bogey to mount a strong challenge for the tournament's Stonehaven Cup over the weekend.
The 45th-ranked O'Hern has regularly been in contention at his national championship and was in the identical position back in 1997, leading after the second round.
PHOTO: EPA
He faded to fifth that year, but feels he now has the experience to win an Australian Open.
"I was more a deer in the headlights back then," he said. "This time ... I know what I've got to do over the weekend to win the tournament."
Felton, who turned professional nine years ago, continued his strong start to his national championship.
"I've only had two bogeys. That is nice on this golf course. I am pretty much doing what I have to do," Felton said.
Overnight leader Lee Williamson is in a four-way tie for second at seven-under 137 after a real rollercoaster of a round which featured an eagle, five birdies and seven bogeys.
Twice a winner of his national Open, Robert Allenby is also among those a shot back after a two-under 70 that so easily could have been several shots lower.
Also on seven-under are Australians James Nitties (71-66) and Andrew Bonhomme (67-70).
Yesterday's lowest round belonged to veteran Craig Parry, who fired a bogey-free course-record equalling 64 -- Steve Elkington and Greg Norman also boast rounds of eight-under on the tough Australian layout -- to move to six-under 138.
Stuart Appleby took advantage of an early start with a four-under effort highlighted by four birdies and a spectacular eagle at the par-five fifth, to move to five-under alongside Brandt Snedeker.
Former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy lies joint 12th on four-under 140.
Pre-tournament favorites Aaron Baddeley (71) and Peter Lonard (70) are among 12 players on three-under.
Defending champion John Senden missed the cut, joining Mark Hensby, Brett Rumford and Michael Campbell on the sidelines this weekend.
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