Autumn Invitational Round 2
Kingsbarns has been an ever-present fixture on the Invitational schedule for almost two decades. It ticks every box possible. A perfectly conditioned links golf course, risk-reward holes, teasing pin positions, sensational coastline views - all complemented by industry leading service levels.
After an opening round of 38 stableford points, Utah's Ryan Halliday had a mixed bag front nine at Kingsbarns. But whatever he took onboard at the halfway hut, it most definitely worked. A brace of eagles paved the way for a 40 point return and the 36 hole lead. Halliday plays out of Glenwild Country Club, Utah's top ranked course, where he maintains a tidy 4.5 index. He takes a two shot lead going into Wednesday's round on The Old Course.
Leading the chasing pack is Hiren Desai. An early double on the par 5 third hole wasn't to deter Desai from posting a solid return. Four birdies in five holes helped him sign for a second 38 point haul of the week and he sits just two shots back of Halliday.
First round leader Jimmy Ellis fell back to 3rd with a score of 32 points. "Everything just went dead right, all day long", commented Ellis after turning in his card. He will be keen to rectify that miss before tomorrow's 3rd round as The Old is well known for punishing golfers who stray to that side of the course. However Ellis has the length off the tee to carry most of the trouble at St Andrews and that could be the key to unlocking a good score on moving day.
Hitting the ball much better today was Matt Jackson, a past Invitational champion from Sydney, who made a move up the leaderboard with 34 points. This year's 13,000 mile commute to the event saw Jackson and his mother stop off in California for rounds at MPCC and Pebble Beach. It's great to see the duo back and we hope they have a wonderful week at The Home of Golf.
The scratch tournament looks like it could go all the way, with ten low-handicapped players still within reach of the new leader, Ryan Halliday. Included in the chasing pack is Connecticut's Brigham Hamlin who finished off his round at Kingsbarns with a majestic birdie 3 on the treacherous final hole. For the pumped up celebration, check out our Round 2 Instagram story.
Wednesday's weather is 57F with clear skies and a moderate westerly breeze. Good luck to everyone teeing it up. Not many golfers get to experience tournament golf on the Old Course, but that's exactly what our 36 competitors are waking up to tomorrow morning.
