Appleby and Maruyama Tied Heading to 36 Hole Sunday in Hawaii

Stuart Appleby and Shigeki Maruyama share the lead at 10-under after round two of the Sony Open in Hawaii, but there’s a lot left to be decided as the field will play 36 holes on Sunday after Thursday was washed out by rain.

Appleby followed up his opening 64 with a 66 on Saturday, but only made two birdies on the back side as his putter went cold. 

It could be that he’s cooled off after a good start, but seeing as he’s two clear of everyone but Maryuma it would be foolish to be sceptical of the chances for a player with such extensive experience.

Appleby has looked confident throughout the week and doesn’t look the player that can look lost some weeks on Tour.

The bookmakers certainly like a player with Appleby’s long resume of Tour experience and have him as a comfortable favourite at (4-1).

Maruyama is fourth on the betting board and it could be that the books just don’t have overriding confidence in a player that has rarely factored into tournaments in the past few years.

The Japanese veteran made just a single cut on the PGA Tour in five events last season, so it’s been a long while since his been in contention and been faced with having to fight for victory.

Maruyama is more of a risk than most players tied for a lead and with a long day ahead on Sunday it would be no surprise if he finally fell back to the level of play he’s displayed the last couple years.

The books putting him at (12-1) is more than generous given recent history.

Second on the betting board is 2010 money leader Matt Kuchar who enters the final 36 holes three off the lead at 7-under.

He’s got the mojo after last year’s career season and won’t waver in his pursuit of the leaders.  Furthermore, he appears to be in the best shape of his life which will make the prospect of going around twice less daunting than it would be for veterans like Appleby and Maruyama.

The third pick of the oddsmakers is likable Englishman Justin Rose who is tied with Kuchar at 7-under.

If Rose wants to stay in the hunt over the next 36 holes, he’ll have to straighten out his driver as he’s only hit 57% of the fairways over his first two rounds.  Eventually, this inaccuracy will cost him.

Practice puts brains in your muscles   - Sam Snead