Choi Bounds into the Lead at The Vines

Korea’s KJ Choi skilfully avoided the kangaroos roaming The Vines Resort and Country Club and bounded into the halfway lead at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth. The 35 year old, who now resides in Texas, holds a two stroke advantage over American Kevin Stadler.

Choi added a 66 to his opening 65 for a 13 under par total of 131 while Stadler – son of former Masters Champion, Craig – birdied the last for a 69 and 133 while his fellow joint leader after the first round, Adam Scott, fired a 71 for a share of third with fellow Australians Tony Carolan and Richard Green on 135.

A three-time winner on the US PGA Tour and the 2003 German Masters champion, Choi is familiar with Australia, having taken advantage of the climate to hone his fledgling game soon after turning professional.

He said: “I used to practise in Sydney between 1996 and 1999 at Penrith Golf Club. I used to play in Asia and between events and during the winter I would go to Sydney. I was introduced to the club by a member who was Korean and I was able to practise there without any distractions and could concentrate on my game.”

Choi also contested the 1999 Heineken Classic at The Vines so is looking forward to a profitable weekend over a course which holds “many happy memories” for Korea’s most successful golfing export.

Stadler, who shot an eight under par 64 to open his account on Thursday, occupied outright second place after his second round 69 as temperatures soared beyond 40 degrees Celsius. He  admitted: “It was tough out there in the heat, but I hit it pretty well without making as many putts as yesterday. I still feel positive about things.”

The Australian pack chasing the top two are led by defending champion Adam Scott, who picked up just one shot on his opening eight under par score. The 25 year old blamed a cold putter for his travails on the greens and said: “I made heaps of chances – probably more than yesterday – but hardly made any putts. All things considered, I am still in a pretty good position. I just need to hole a few tomorrow to get myself right into contention.”

Green, who finished third behind Tiger Woods and Ernie Els in Dubai last week, assessed his 69 succintly, saying: “It was a working-class sort of day. The conditions were tougher with the heat and wind and the greens getting drier and crustier. I’ve got a job of work to do tomorrow and hopefully I can get closer to the lead for Sunday.”

Carolan, a Monday qualifier, gave himself the chance of a healthy pay cheque with a 69 to follow his opening 66 while England’s Ian Poulter bemoaned his lack of success on the greens for finishing five strokes off the pace on eight under.

“I should be leading this tournament” he insisted after a solid 66. “Maybe my time will come at the weekend. If I do, then I will give someone a run for their money.”

The Vines was not, however, friendly towards three of the biggest names in the field as World Number Three, Retief Goosen, European Number One Colin Montgomerie and US Open Champion, Michael Campbell, all crashed out at the halfway stage.