Poulter’s Putter Finds Life Shoots 60 For Hong Kong Lead

After missing putt after putt on Thursday, Ian Poulter’s flat stick caught fire at the UBS Hong Kong Open on his way to a second round 60.

The Englishman missed a makeable birdie on 18 for a mythical 59, but his round was still good for (-13) over 36 holes and a one shot lead over American Anthony Kang.  Sitting two back is fellow Brit Rory McIlroy.

On day two, Poulter’s journey on the greens was a stark contrast from Thursday as he needed just 24 putts (as opposed to 32 in round one) grabbing the lead from McIlroy.  The bookmakers were impressed with the world’s 14th ranked player and he’ll now go out Saturday as the (2-1) favourite.

Even though it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the uber hot Poulter, Rory McIlroy continued his fine play in round two.  The young man from Holywood managed a 66 and now sits at (-11) after two rounds.

McIlroy holed out on the 9th for an eagle two, but his round ended with a whimper as he doubled 18 relinquishing the lead to his Ryder Cup teammate.  He’s in 3rd heading to round three, but he’s #2 with the books at (3-1).

Number three on the betting board is McIlroy’s countryman Graeme McDowell who currently sits 5th at (-10) three off the lead.  McDowell’s been in the mix right to the end the last few weeks, but he’s lacked the final push to make a challenge for victory.  With a red hot Poulter and the young stud McIlroy ahead of him, it may be a tall order to expect him to make his way to the top of the board.

Although, it would be foolish to count him out with half the tournament left to play.  At (8-1), it’s apparent the bookmakers aren’t prepared to write off the US Open Champ in Hong Kong.

The man sitting in second place is 592nd ranked American Anthony Kang who’s made just 10 of 27 cuts this year on the Euro Circuit.  He’ll need a career week to wrestle victory from the trio of highly ranked Brits and nothing in recent history suggests that will happen.

Of course, there’s always the perpetual ‘golf disclaimer’.  Anything can happen.  A lot will have to happen for Kang and at (16-1) the odds makers don’t expect much from the 37-year old over the next two days.

If you watch a game, it’s fun. If you play at it, it’s recreation. If you work at it, it’s golf   - Bob Hope