Josh Armstrong takes lead at Cobram Barooga
Josh Armstrong in action on Friday – image PGA of Australia
New South Welshman Josh Armstrong will take a one-shot lead into the weekend at the Webex Player Series Murray River event at the Cobram Barooga Old Course on the Victorian/NSW border, adding a second round of 65 to his opening 63 to lead over West Australian Haydn Barron, with recently turned professional, Declan O’Donovan, two shots off the lead and alone in 3rd place.
Armstrong is without a win to date on the PGA Tour of Australasia and two weeks ago missed the cut at the Vic Open in what was his last start, so his performance thus far this week opens the door for a very important weekend for the 26-year-old former Australian Schoolboys Champion.
Barron led into round two after his opening round of 62 on Thursday, his round of 67 today having him well placed to challenge for his first PGA Tour of Australasia title after three runner-up finishes in a career which has been interrupted with injury on occasions.
After an amateur career which included representing Australia on several occasions in significant events such as the Eisenhower Trophy and the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship, O’Donovan turned professional late in 2025, having gained his status for the PGA Tour of Australasia at the Tour School in mid 2025.
Current Order of Merit leader, Cameron John, is in a share of 6th place at 10 under and four from the lead.
The 22-year-old has struggled in events to date, but this is the first opportunity to put a stamp on his rookie season with a strong weekend.
Japan’s Madoka Kimura, South Australian Caitlin Peirce, and Wales’ Lydia Hall lead the women in this mixed-gender event; the trio tied for 13th, seven shots behind Armstrong’s lead.
