Sweden’s Oskar Bergman moved into pole position at the halfway stage of the 48 Abierto Mexicano Corona, the first event of the 2006 European Challenge Tour. The 28 year old carded a second round 67 at the Club de Golf La Hacienda in Mexico City for a six under par total of 136 to grab a two stroke advantage over a group of six players that includes Challenge Tour Members James Heath, James Hepworth and Denny Lucas of England, as well as The European Tour’s Andres Romero of Argentina.
Joining those four in a share for second place on four under are Mikael Dieu of France and Mexico’s own Antonio Maldonado who carded respective second rounds of 67 and 69 to join the chasing pack.
Heath added a one under par 70 to his opening 68, turning in level par 35 over the Club de Golf La Hacienda before picking up two shots on the tenth and 13th holes. A double bogey six on the 17th brought the 22 year old back to level but he finished with a strong birdie to haul himself into second place.
“Things weren’t going so good today,” admitted Heath, who finished fourth in this event 12 months ago on his debut as a professional golfer. “I didn’t hit the ball quite so well, especially on the back nine, but managed to come and get birdie in there and settle things towards the end. I didn’t feel that I was playing that well today, but I am satisfied with the score.
“I am just trying to concentrate on one shot at a time, and not really thinking how tough or how easy the course is playing. The thing about this golf course is that you have to focus on every shot, and one of my strengths is being able to go out and get a score no matter what. You have to play well off every tee and that’s what I do well round this golf course. It kind of makes me play well for some reason.”
Hepworth, who started his second round on the tenth tee, got to seven under par for the tournament after sinking a great eagle putt at the 18th, his ninth hole, but his good fortune changed on the back nine, where he three putted on three separate greens en route to picking up four bogeys as he signed for a 72.
“I knew the greens were going to be a little bit bumpier, and they were. I lost my confidence on the back nine and that is always going to affect you. I holed a good putt for eagle on the 18th, but then I lost my putting touch. I’m disappointed, but there is always tomorrow.”
Like Hepworth, Lucas got off to a fine start, moving to three under for the day after the opening five holes of his second round but three bogeys and just one more birdie saw him drop back into that tie for second place alongside Dieu, Heath, Hepworth, Maldonado and Romero.
But the man in charge at the halfway stage is Sweden’s Bergman, whose fantastic iron play was the main factor in him compiling the second round 67 that took him to six under par for the tournament going into the last 36 holes. Bergman eventful day began with four birdies in his first six holes that were quickly countered with a double bogey six, before he picked up another shot to get to the turn in three under 32. Another three birdies and two bogeys over the back nine ensured the 28 year old that two stroke advantage.
[1143734:left]“I came out with a good start, hit a couple of good shots and missed a couple of putts actually – it was a little up and down today,” said Bergman. “This course is a real challenge and it is a lot better this year. We are only half-way through the tournament, so, for the moment, it’s all about getting into a good position for when there are nine holes to go. I’m just gone keep doing what I’m doing right now and hopefully I will make a lot of birdies.”
