[PHOTO: Golf NSW]
Cameron Smith and Lucas Herbert are on a collision course for a rumble on the river and both are licking their lips at the idea of a final-round showdown at the Ford NSW Open. Saturday afternoon’s third round will determine whether the LIV Golf Stars remain first and second on the leaderboard long enough for a grandstand finish at the Murray Downs Golf & Country Club.
A stunning eagle on Friday highlighted a brilliant second round that catapulted Herbert into the lead while major champion Smith, the overnight pacesetter, was left trailing by two shots on an exciting second day along the Murray River.
Herbert, familiar with Murray Downs course having grown up two hours away in Bendigo, kickstarted his round with a birdie on the opening hole. He feasted on the first half of the back nine with birdies at the 10th, 12th and 14th. That set up a thrilling run to the clubhouse.
At the par-5 16th, Herbert pounced. He calmly eagled the 472-metre hole while playing partner and fellow LIV Golf star Smith struggled. After a wayward drive, Smith crouched down under a tree and attempted a sideways pitch-out that was unlucky to hit a branch and remain in the rough. He made bogey, causing a three-shot swing in Herbert’s favour.
“I missed one on nine that I was kind of frustrated with because it was a bad putt, and I don’t really hit bad putts. It was a bit of a kick in the ass though and got things into gear for the back nine. Got a little lucky there a couple of times and made some nice putts when I needed to.”
“I definitely didn’t feel as good as yesterday, but I hit a lot of lips (putting),” Smith said. “With a guy like Lucas behind you, you definitely want to increase your lead.”
Both Herbert and Smith made two closing pars. Herbert’s second consecutive 65 gave him a 12-under-par total. He sat atop the leaderboard while 2022 British Open winner Smith was second at 10-under. In a tie for third was Josh Geary, Matias Sanchez and Corey Lamb.
A day after matching the course record with a 64 at Murray Downs, Smith was solid but just not as polished as Herbert’s bogey-free effort. Smith made two early birdies before a bogey at the shorter par-4 eighth. The former world No.2 bounced back with birdies at 10, 12 and 13 but his dropped shot at 16 was pivotal. Smith shot 68 and will look to bounce back on day three on the Murray River. “I think he (Smith) was probably grinding a little bit there on the back nine and it did feel like somewhat of a match play situation,” Herbert said.
Smith and Herbert will play together for a third day in a row, in the final group on Saturday in a tournament promoter’s dream. The third day has potential to set up a Sunday showdown between the Ripper GC teammates, something Smith and Herbert are excited about.
“I hope we both play really well tomorrow, break away from the field and it becomes a shootout. Push each other to play the golf,” Herbert said. Added Smith: “I love playing with great players and Lucas is a great player. I can’t wait for the weekend.”
