Ormsby, Strange lead Australian PGA at halfway
Gold Coast (Australia) (AFP) - Australians Wade Ormsby and Scott Strange upstaged defending champion Adam Scott to lead the Australian PGA Championship after the second round at Royal Pines on Friday.
Ormsby shot a five-under-par 67, highlighted by a six-hole run including an eagle and four birdies on his front nine to storm into contention at the third and final Australian major of the season.
Strange, a two-time European Tour winner, joined Ormsby on nine-under when he birdied the last to complete a six-under 66 in the best round of the day.
The pair head into Saturday's third round two shots clear of world number three Scott, who backed up an opening round 68 with a three-under 69 to be in third on seven under.
Ormsby, who once rented a property from the 2013 US Masters champion Scott during their fledging playing days in Europe, said it would be exciting to take on his mate for the tournament's Joe Kirkwood cup.
"It's good, that's what you dream of growing up," Ormsby said.
"There's plenty of guys, Rory (McIlroy) or the guys in America -- I played university with Matt Kuchar -- you play with them all the time.
"Yes, they are higher-ranked players but you do feel a lot more comfortable in their presence because you know them."
Scott's round featured four birdies and a bogey but he said he was feeling happy with his game.
After slow starts at both the Australian Masters and Australian Open, Scott is hopeful his improving form will carry him to a title before he ends his 2014 campaign.
"It's big for me," he said. "Energy levels are getting low and you can see the end of the line but I'm pushing through.
"I'm doing my usual routines and not cutting any corners, I really want to finish off with a win and hang on to a trophy this year."
