CHARLESTOWN'S Aaron Townsend has warmed up for his NSW Open title defence by shooting a nine-under-par 61 yesterday to take a share of the lead half-way through the NSW PGA tournament at Wollongong Golf Club.
On a flawless day around the links course, Townsend shot nine birdies to go with his first-round 67 to join Queenslander Michael Wright atop the leaderboard at 12 under.
Townsend will defend his NSW Open title at The Vintage, starting on Thursday.
Belmont's Brendan Smith and Rudi Bezuidenhout are also in contention heading into the weekend. Smith, the leading amateur, is tied for sixth at nine under after rounds of 65 and 66. Bezuidenhout was eight under for the tournament after 15 holes late yesterday and, due to two weather delays, was expected to complete his second round today.
Grant Scott (Horizons) is tied for 10th at seven under.
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