Brad Kennedy in the mix again in Japan
Brad Kennedy during today’s second round – photo JGTO
Brad Kennedy remains firmly in contention for the inaugural ASO Iizuka Challenged Golf Tournament in Fukuoka after signing for a successive six-under-par 66 on Friday.
The 47-year-old Australian, who is chasing his fourth JGTO title, reached the halfway stage at the ASO Iizuka Golf Club on 12-under 132, just one shot off second round leader Tomoyo Ikeura, who signed for a 68.
Kennedy has been in good form of late having recorded seven top ten finishes in 11 starts in 2002, three of those in succession at his last three starts.
The Gold Coast based, three time winner on the Japan Tour backed up his solid opening day effort with six birdies in her second round, including three on the trot from the get-go.
He then reeled off nine straight pars before gaining his next stroke on 13 before rounding off his day with glorious back-to-back birdies at the final two holes.
“It was a great start. I birdied one, two and three, but in the middle of the round, it went a little bit flat, but it wasn’t from the lack of trying,” said Kennedy, whose last triumph came at the Shigeo Nagashima Invitational SEGA SAMMY Cup in 2018.
“I’ve been hitting a lot of good shots, just not quite get it close enough. Sometimes, that’s what happens. I still try to make as many birdies as I can.
“It’s nice to have another two good days and prepare for the weekend.”
Being in contention at the weekend for the third time in his last four starts, Kennedy knows he cannot afford to get ahead of himself if he is to stand a chance of hoisting the trophy on Sunday.
Kennedy could only settle for solo third and joint-fourth at the Golf Partner Pro-Am Tournament and Mizuno Open, although he headed into the final round, tying for second in both tournaments.
Kennedy could only settle for solo third and joint-fourth at the Golf Partner Pro-Am Tournament and Mizuno Open, although he headed into the final round, tying for second in both tournaments.
Asked if he feels he is getting closer to his first victory in four years, said Kennedy: “It’s always a good being in contention, and it means I’m doing a lot of really good works.
“I can’t control what anybody else is doing. I can only do what I can and put myself in that position in the back nine on Sunday.
“I hope I can play well under pressure and be there at the end.”
Amongst the other Australasians Michael Hendry and Adam Bland made the cut but are well back.
