Kobori and Smylie in contention at the Belfry
Kazuma Kobori in contention after three missed cuts in a row – image Australian Golf Media
The winners of the PGA Tour of Australsia’s Order of Merit in each of the last two years, Kazuma Kobori and Elvis Smylie, are nicely placed at the halfway mark of the British Masters at The Belfry.
23-year-old Kobori is two shots from the leader, Marcel Siem and in a share of 3rd place while his fellow 23-year-old, Smylie, is another shot back in a share of 6th place after a second round of 67.
Both players are in their first full season on the DP World Tour, Smylie currently in 22nd place in the Race to Dubai Rankings and Kobori is 58th with another nine events remaining on the DP World schedule ahead of the DP Tour Championship in mid-November.
Kobori has missed five of his last seven cuts in DP World Tour events, but has found form, although he has no expectations for what lies ahead this weekend.
“To be honest, I’ve got minimal expectations, like it’s the first time this season that I’ve teed off so late on the weekend,” said the New Zealander Kobori.
“So I don’t know what it’s going to feel like. It’s probably going to feel a lot different than when I shot 9-under in the final round at BMW, just chasing everyone down.
“So I don’t know what it’s going to be like, but I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Smylie produced a much improved performance when 6th last week in Denmark and mentioned that improved putting has been the key.
“I feel like off the tee I was really good today,” said the Gold Coaster. “And then I’ve been putting really well. That was an opportunity for me to put in a new putter this week, but I was stuck to the old trusty. So I’m really happy with that.
“And I got on FaceTime with my coach back in Australia yesterday afternoon, Ritchie Smith, and we worked on some stuff. And, yeah, really happy with today, and looking forward to the weekend.”
Jason Scrivener also made the cut at even par which was the cut off score.
