Min Woo Lee leads the Australian Open by three shots over Connor Syme of Scotland and Patrick Rodgers of America. Lee is going for his second straight home victory after winning the Australian PGA Championship the previous week.
In the second round of the ISPS Handa Australian Open in Sydney, Min Woo Lee surged into a three-shot lead, increasing his chances of winning back-to-back matches on the DP World Tour. bb
The world No. 38, who won the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship in his native country last week, is currently leading the field in New South Wales after 36 holes following a seven-under 64 on Friday that included six birdies and an eagle.
Perth-born Lee started with a bogey, but after two birdies on his front nine (including holing out from a bunker at the fourth) and four more on the back nine, he had no more mishaps. At the eighteenth hole, he secured an eagle after making an amazing approach over the water from the pine straw.
With Connor Syme of Scotland and Patrick Rodgers of America as his closest competitors at nine under, the 25-year-old advanced to 12 under par.
“Making an eagle anytime is nice, but it’s even nicer on the last hole,” Lee remarked. We’re almost done before the weekend, which is unbelievable because I didn’t think we could top the crowds from last week. Because of the support and audience, the majority of my golf has been excellent.”
Syme reached a two-under 70 by birdieing four of his opening five holes.
The Scot hopes to improve on his tie for thirteenth place finish at the Australian PGA Championship, which he won by three strokes over Riyuka Hoshino of Japan.
“It’s just a great opportunity,” Syme stated. My final occasion of the year, and hopefully I can end on a positive note.”
Sam Brazel, a native of Lee’s home country, Jhonattan Vegas of Colombia, and Joaquin Niemann of Chile are tied for fourth place at eight under, while a number of players, including Hoshino, David Horsey, Alex Fitzpatrick, and Grant Forrest of Scotland, are at seven under.
Despite making the cut and starting the weekend at four under, local favorites Adam Scott and Cameron Smith will finish the tournament at six over after Robert MacIntyre’s four-over-par second round.
After a bogey at the penultimate hole, Smith threw his ball into the lake, displaying frustration.
After missing out on the Australian PGA Championship weekend, the 2022 Open champion said, “It’s going to take my best to even get close and maybe even a little bit of help.” But there’s a lot more golf left to play.
