Two of Western Australia’s most promising young amateurs have made headlines during Round 2 of the Nexus Risk WA Open at Cottesloe Golf Club.
Hayden Hopewell has fired a second round of 5-under to surge into the outright lead after two rounds of the WA Open.
Hopewell’s round included four birdies and a bogey. The highlight of the round came on his second last hole when he rolled in an eagle that saw him climb atop the leader board into first place.
Speaking after his round Hayden said, “I just stuck to my game plan, played solid golf and putted well all day.”
That round definitely made me believe that I can win the golf tournament from here.
Not content to let the men have all the fun, Kirsten Rudgeley has today made history as the first woman to make the cut at the WA Open, a feat that not even Minjee Lee or Hannah Green achieved.
Despite playing in windy afternoon conditions, Rudgeley held her nerve and controlled her ball flight well to finish one-under for her round and become the first woman to ever make the cut at one of Western Australia’s most prestigious professional tournaments.
Rudgeley was one of two female amateurs in the field and she more than held her nerve playing alongside the professional men.
“I think I hit the ball a bit better today and made some more putts,” Kirsten said after the round.
“Playing from the black tees doesn’t bother me because I don’t hit it far enough to get myself in any trouble. My goal was to make the cut and now I can just go and enjoy the weekend.”
Queenslander Chris Wood sits in outright second place at 8-under, just a shot behind Hopewell. Wood enjoyed calmer conditions this morning and took full advantage to post a score of 66.
“I’ll definitely take that score today, my short game saved me on a lot of holes,” quipped Wood after his round.
Peter Wilson shot the low round of the day (65) after stringing together five consecutive birdies and then an Eagle.
WA local and crowd favourite Brett Rumford enjoyed calm conditions this morning and sits at 5-under, well within striking distance as the tournament heads towards the weekend.
