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EmailFINGAL, Australia – Jim Herman shot a 2-under-par 70 on Friday to take a three-stroke lead after the second round of the Moonah Classic.
The American who shot a course-record 62 in the opening round at Moonah Links, had a bogey-free, two-round total of 12-under 132 on the course designed by five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson.
Australian Steven Jones shot 70 and was in second place at 9-under.
He was followed by compatriot Andrew Buckle and Fabian Gomez of Argentina, both with 68s and tied for third, five strokes behind Herman in the tournament jointly sanctioned by the U.S. Nationwide and Australasian PGA tours.
American Douglas LaBelle (69), Australians Steven Bowditch (68) and Andre Stolz (72) and Canadian Jon Mills (70) were tied for fifth, six strokes off the lead.
Herman's strong showing comes after missing the cut in his previous seven tournaments.
“That's the high point right now, staying bogey-free,” the 32-year-old Herman said. “There's plenty of birdie opportunities but to not give any back so far is pretty fulfilling for me.
“I just wanted to do the same things I did yesterday, just drive the ball well, stay out of the fairway bunkers and give myself opportunities,” he said.
Herman, who spent two years as an assistant pro at Trump National in northern New Jersey, had an early start Friday after his late one Thursday, which he preferred. And the wind picked up Friday afternoon, helping to protect his lead.
“I had a quick turnaround, which was nice,” Herman said. “Keep the momentum going was a good thing for me. I didn't have to sit around.”
Defending champion Ewan Porter of Australia shot a 79 and missed the cut.
