Peter Uihlein showed his talent with an eight-under-par 64 to take the halfway lead in the US$2.5 million International Series Qatar – embracing the windy conditions that replaced the calmness of yesterday.
The American is 12-under for the event at Doha Golf Club and leads by two from compatriot Zach Bauchou, who carded 68. First-round leader Ian Snyman from South Africa is in third, a shot further back, following a 70.
South African Charl Schwartzel (65), Spain’s Luis Masaveu (69) and David Puig (70) plus Miguel Tabuena (68) from the Philippines sit tied fourth, four behind the leader.
American Uihlein won the International Series England in August for his maiden victory on the Asian Tour and The International Series. He nearly followed that up with a win at the International Series Thailand but finished second after letting a two-shot lead slip on the last, and has unfinished business this week.
“It was hard,” said the 35-year-old, about the conditions. “I mean, it is when it gets windy. It's fun though. I enjoy it. Kind of shapes the shots for you a little bit. I enjoy it. I definitely prefer when the wind picks up.”
Uihlein is one of a host of players who can win The International Series Rankings with just next week’s PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers remaining. He is currently in fourth place and within reach of the leader and fellow American John Catlin.
Snyman was unable to repeat his brilliant first-round 65 but was delighted with his round in much more difficult conditions that he felt played four shots harder.
He said: “This is probably one of my best rounds I would say, on the Asian Tour. Hit it really good, hit lots of fairways, which is great in these conditions. Hit lots of greens, made some great putts. One bogey, I mean, I think that basically says it, it was a solid round of golf.
“Shot wise compared to yesterday, probably about four shots I would say, that would be my guess. It was just a guessing game out there, and yeah, I managed to guess most of them correctly. Even putting you had to take the wind into account.”
Earlier in the day best buddies Schwartzel and compatriot Louis Oosthuizen, paired together, moved into contention. Oosthuizen fired a 71 and is another stroke behind.
Schwartzel, whose most recent victory was the LIV Golf Invitational in 2022 – LIV Golf’s first ever event – began on the back nine, and made a brilliant start by birdieing the first, before holing out for an eagle on the par-four 11th. He dropped his only shot of the day on 14 but coasted to the top with five more birdies.
“Yeah, that was quite a surprise,” said the 2011 Masters champion.
“Struggled with my driver a bit yesterday and with this wind I was a bit worried. I actually drove it well and got off to that fantastic start and played solid from there, all the way in.”
He has registered some strong performances on the LIVGolf League this season, tying for second in Jeddah and finishing equal thirdin Adelaide, and would no doubt dearly love to finish the year with a win.
He added: “With me it’s always rhythm, I get allquick, just tried to keep it smooth today and did a good job of it.”
The International Series is the most prized pathway in golf. It consists of 10 elite tournaments sanctioned by the Asian Tour and offers the year-long Rankings leader promotion to the LIV Golf League
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