Japan’s Kensei Hirata and American Chandler Blanchet share the lead at the halfway stage of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship after the second round at Port Royal Golf Course yesterday [October 23].
Hirata carded a seven-under-par 64 to reach 13 under, making seven birdies.
He believes his six previous victories on the Japan Tour will stand him in good stead as he bids for a first PGA Tour title in Bermuda.
“This is the first time in contention in a while, so I think I’ll feel a lot of emotions on the weekend, but I think those past six wins will help this weekend,” he said.
“It’s not a long course, first of all, and then you’ve got to hit it to tight spots to the green and I think that suits my game.
“I think No 13, hole 13, the tee shot. Made a birdie on that par 3, was a huge birdie for me and kept me going.
“The views are great here, and then seeing the ocean on the back nine. I really love the sunsets here, it’s really beautiful.”
Blanchet shot a four-under 67, with five birdies and one bogey, to join Hirata at the top of the leaderboard.
“It was a grind out there; it was a little windier,” Blanchet said.
“Found myself in a few interesting positions off the tee, especially on the last few holes, but yeah, ground out a solid day today.
“It’s kind of a fun creative one, which I think you’ve got to be pretty solid at this week with the wind, can’t just take your stock shots.
“It’s going to be a great weekend. I know they’re supposed to be more wind so it should keep it interesting. Yeah, it’s going to be a fun weekend.”
Five players are tied for third at 12 under, including Ireland’s Seamus Power, who carded a bogey-free 64.
Canada’s Corey Conners and Ben Silverman both shot 67, while Americans Eric Cole and Danny Walker recorded rounds of 65 and 67 respectively.
Power believes his familiarity with Bermuda and comfort on the course have helped him contend at the championship.
“It’s beautiful, the colours of the houses, the colour of the water, all that kind of stuff,” he said.
“I just kind of fell in love with the place pretty early on.
“I’ve putted well here quite a few times, obviously continued that this week so far, and I think just feel comfortable with the place.
“You’re standing on the first tee, and you just feel a little more comfortable than you do on other weeks.”
Bermuda’s Nick Jones shot a second-round 70 to finish at even par for the tournament, while compatriot Camiko Smith carded a 14-over 85.
The projected cut stood at five under.