Robert-Jan Derksen was one of the few players able to tame windy conditions at the Pinx Golf Club on Jeju Island to move into a two shot clubhouse lead on the second day of the Ballantine's Championship.
The Netherlands’ Derksen described conditions as “difficult” as the weather turned from light breezes and clear skies in the first round to rain and strong winds this morning, a number of players struggled to cope.
But the 35 year old followed up a six under 66 yesterday with a 69 to reach three under and establish a two shot clubhouse lead over Thongchai Jaidee, and Kang Wook-soon.
“It was a difficult day,” said Derksen. “Every par was actually a good hole, and I managed to even squeeze in a few birdies.
“I hit one bad drive, which was on number four, and made a double bogey there. That happens under these conditions - if you hit one bad shot on the wrong hole, you're going to get a big number.”
Jaidee recorded three birdies and two bogeys to sign for a 71 having opened with a 66.
“I'm very happy with that,” said Jaidee.
“I know the weather, it's quite difficult in the afternoon. We are lucky we start early. Early the wind is not very strong I think, but the last seven holes, very, very strong wind and very difficult to play the course.”
Kang added a 69 and admitted the weather was a big factor.
“I think my shots were very good,” he said. “And I got the ball very close to the pin, but because of the very strong winds, unfortunately I had to miss a few putting shots or opportunities.
“Despite the very bad weather, I played very hard, and I think that has led to the good results that I achieved.”
Spain’s Pablo Martin – who was the first amateur to win on The European Tour but has struggled since – showed signs of a return to form with a second straight 66 to lies six under, alongside Italy’s Alessandro Tadini.
On the course overnight joint leader Mark Brown moved to eight under after reaching the ninth one under for the day.
Australian duo Scott Barr and Brett Rumford are also going well, with Barr three under on the day to reach seven under through 12 and Rumford two under for his round to go six under after six holes.
