During the morning flight, conditions changed dramatically on Friday at the Uplands Golf Club in Victoria, BC, making scoring a real challenge. After firm and fast conditions on Thursday gave way to rain, there were some changes atop the leaderboard on day two of the Royal Beach Victoria Open presented by Times Colonist.
First-round co-leader Michael Blair of Ancaster, Ontario was able to keep his score in the 60’s for a second straight day. His 63-69, two-round score of 132 (eight under) kept him firmly in contention as he heads into the weekend.
Two other players at the top of the leaderboard also have strong ties to Canada. Leader Yi Cao, born in Beijing, moved from China to Canada at age 15 to prepare for a career in professional golf. After two rounds Cao, who now resides in BC, sits on top of the leaderboard at -10, one shot clear of Montreal’s Joey Savoie. Cao shot 65 on each of the first two days while Savoie backed up his opening round 65 with a 66 on Friday.
Eric Lilleboe of the United States didn’t mind the changing conditions. The former Ferris State University golfer had the tournament’s low round to date, carding an eight-under-par, 62 on Friday to pull him into a tie with Blair.
“Conditions were much tougher today, (it) rained the majority of our round and much colder, pins seemed harder today as well,” said Blair, noting it “was tough to be aggressive to a lot of the holes.”
Maintaining a spot near the top of the leaderboard. Blair remained upbeat noting he’s “looking forward to being out there competing, being In the hunt.” Blair said it is “always exciting to be playing well, so really just looking forward to getting out there, doing my best and trying to get myself in contention for Sunday.”
61 players made the cut at three-under-par or better.
On the PGA front, Canadian Adam Hadwin had his third career hole-in-one at the par-three 16th hole of the Memorial Tournament in Ohio.
Hadwin’s shot, with its ensuing celebration, was dubbed the Shot of the Day by the PGA. Coupled with an eagle on hole seven, Hadwin was able to put together a round of four-under-par on Friday, getting him back to even par for the tournament, tied 39 going into the weekend.
Next weekend’s event is the RBC Canadian Open.
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