South Africa’s Justin Harding did not put a foot wrong as he carded a six-under-par 66 to take a two-shot lead at the $500 000 Bank BRI Indonesia Open on Saturday.
Harding, who is playing in the tournament on an organiser’s invite, hit every single green in regulation and missed only one fairway enroute to a 17-under-par 199 total at the Pondok Indah Golf Course.
Scott Vincent, of Zimbabwe, kept up the chase as he signed for a 66, highlighted by four consecutive birdies from holes 12 to 15. A bogey on the 18th spoiled his plans for a grandstand finish but he is happy to be placed in the final group on Sunday.
Sihwan Kim will be playing alongside the leading duo after carding a 67 to sit in lone third place. The American was nearly flawless on Saturday, trading six birdies against a lone bogey.
‘As I’ve mentioned yesterday, I was struggling with the heat,’ said Harding.
‘But that actually helps me focus better out there. I played solidly today. I didn’t miss any green and I missed only one fairway. With a bit more luck, I could have run away with it but I’m happy where I am. I’ll be looking forward to playing with my buddy, Scott (Vincent), tomorrow.
‘The grass type is different here compared to the ones back home. It has taken me some time to adjust but it is not something that I struggle with.
‘I’ve known Scott for a while. He has played great on the Asian Tour this season and the Sunshine Tour last year too. We are good mates and we’ll share a few jokes. Hopefully, one of us will win tomorrow. Either way, I’m going to grind it out and see what happens.
‘I’ve been playing well since the start of the year. I wanted to be out competing, so I asked around for opportunities. Cho (Minn Thant) and the Asian Tour gave me a chance and I’m very grateful for it. Hopefully, I’ll be rewarded with a title.
‘It (whether or not he’s playing more on the Asian Tour) depends on what happens tomorrow. I’ve played half decently here and it’s a matter of acclimatising to the weather. These guys on the Asian Tour are good.’
Credit: Asian Tour
