Peter Uihlein defeat the winds to share the halfway lead at The Irish Open – Golf News
Peter Uihlein of the United States overcame strong windy conditions at Carton House to share the halfway lead at The Irish Open, on Friday, June 28, 2012.
The European Tour rookie, who secured his maiden victory on the tour at the Madeira Islands Open last month, carded a four-under par 68 on day two to share the lead with Robert Rock.
Starting on the back nine of the course, the American star birdied three of the first six holes that he played, followed by three par putts to reach the turn in three under.
The back nine of the course witnessed him adding another two shots to his scorecard while losing a shot on the third hole. At the end of the day, he found himself accumulating a two-round total of a nine-under par 135.
A total of five players, including European Ryder Cup team captain Jose Maria Olazabal, shared the third spot after each player accumulated a seven-under par halfway score.
Talking to the European Tour’s official website, Uihlein revealed that the winds had little effect on his game, considering the fact that he played a number of tournaments at college level where he had to fight against strong winds.
“In college in Oklahoma it was quite windy all the time,” he said. “So I quite enjoy the wind and knew it was tough out there. It was gusting at times, and it was a good, solid day.”
“The Irish fans live up to the reputation of being very knowledgeable and supportive, so it's been good,” he added. “I spent three and a half years in Oklahoma where we would play in a tornado. It was a good experience there, and
I feel like in the wind, you don't have to be perfect, which is what I struggle with.”
Rock, in the meantime, was really pleased the way he has played in the first two rounds, especially when he is not enjoying a good run of form on the tour – he has missed the cut six times in his nine appearances.
He now plans to remain consistent and keep the momentum going into the weekend, in a bid to secure the third European Tour victory of his career.
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