Gates Grabs One Shot Lead, Senden The Favourite at Australian PGA

American Bobby Gates followed up an impressive 64 in round with a 69 on Friday to grab a one shot lead at the Australian PGA Championship.

Gates got off to a slow start on Friday at the Hyatt Regency Coolum golf course as he bogeyed three of his first five holes, but righted the ship on the front (as he started on the back nine) to vault himself to the top of the leaderboard.

He was even for the day heading to the front nine at Coolum but quickly got to red numbers with a birdie on the 1st hole and followed that up with an impressive eagle on the par-5 3rd.

Even with a one shot lead, Gates is only the bookmakers’ third pick heading to round three as he’ll tee off at (6-1).

The books have tabbed PGA tour vet John Senden as their 3rd round favourite and have him at (3-1)as play moves to the weekend.

Going with Senden is not really much of a stretch as he’s got a wealth of worldwide experience and sits just a shot back in a tie for second with Liang Wen-Chong.

Senden has easily been playing the steadiest golf of any player in the field this week.  He hasn’t made a bogie in his first 36 holes, including a second round that saw him birdie four of his first five holes.

Just ahead of Gates on the betting board is Liang Wen-Chong who sits just one behind the leader.  Aside from Ogilvy and Allenby, Chong is the highest ranked player in the field at 66th and should challenge for the victory over the next 36 holes.

He recently finished 10th in strong field at the European Tour’s Singapore Open.  Not to mention, Chong tied for 8th in August at the PGA Championship, so there’s no doubt he can take on the world’s best and not blink.

With very few notable players in the field this week, it seems fitting that Chong go off at (5-1).

Robert Allenby will tee off round three at (6-1) despite being five shots off the lead.  This appears to be a case of bookies latching to known players regardless of the fact they may have a tough time contending on the weekend.

He’ll have to avoid the big mistake on the weekend, as he fell off the pace Friday when he double bogeyed the par-5 12th facing an uphill battle for the rest of his round.

A kid grows up a lot faster on the golf course. Golf teaches you how to behave  - Jack Nicklaus