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Former champions Adam Scott, Aaron Baddeley and Adrian Meronk were out bright and early in the second round of the Australian Open on Friday morning as they look to heap pressure on leader Cameron Davis heading into the weekend of the national championship.
Davis held a one-shot lead over the field after opening his campaign with a nine under par 63 on a day of fickle weather conditions at The Lakes and Australian Golf Clubs.
Baddeley was five shots back at four under while Scott (even par, 72) and Meronk (two over, 73) failed to make the most of the benign conditions and have plenty for work to do if they are to claim the Stonehaven Cup.
Scott and Meronk were among the early starters as they begin their second rounds just after 7am (AEDT) at The Lakes.
Baddeley will be in the group behind alongside Lucas Herbert and Joaquin Niemann.
Australian PGA winner Min Woo Lee opened his campaign with a five under par 67 and will play in the afternoon at The Australian alongside Cameron Smith, who is in danger of missing a second consecutive cut after finishing the opening day in a share of 56th at one under.
Smith endured a morning of mixed fortunes on Thursday as he made four birdies but also found the water on two occasions. The Queenslander is slowly rebuilding his confidence after a shattering week at the Australian PGA, where he watched the weekend from the clubhouse.
“There’s definitely something to build on there, for sure,” Smith said.
“I didn’t feel as kind of anxious and uncomfortable I guess. There’s a couple of really tough shots out there, particularly tee shots, so it was good to just commit.
“I hit a couple in the water, but it was nice to just feel that commitment and actually try and hit the right shot. Job done.”
Davis is the man to beat after he produced a flying start to his Open, recording seven birdies and an eagle at The Lakes.
He matched the course record set by John Senden in 2011 but was denied a share of the title because the players had been given permission to use preferred lies due to the heavy rain that impacted the course.
“That’s by far the cleanest round I’ve ever had around here and without the wind, it was awesome to make the most of the conditions the way they were,” Davis said.
In the women’s event, 16-year-old amateur Rachel Lee will look to keep some of the best players in the world at bay as she attempts to pick up where she left off in round one.
The year 10 student got the better of superstars Minjee Lee (68) and Jiyai Shin (68) in round one and will be among the latest groups to head out on Friday afternoon.
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