American Peter Uihlein superbly tamed the ‘Shamal’ winds to put himself in contention for a second Asian Tour triumph in some four months at the International Series Qatar in Doha.
Uihlein, 35 birdied six of his opening 10 holes and then holed a second shot for an eagle ‘2’ at the par-4 16th in a round of 64 and take a two-shot lead at 12-under into the closing two rounds of the $2.5m on the host Doha Golf Club course.
Fellow American Zac Bauchour with a second score of 68 is in second place on 18-under.
First-round leader Ian Snyman from South Africa is in third, a shot further back, following a 70.
Also very much within striking distance is three major champions – Charl Schwartzel at 8-under, Louis Oosthuizen on 7-under while last week’s Link Hong Kong Open champ Patrick Reed sits at six-under.
American Peter Uihlein leads the way to two shots heading to the closing two rounds of the International Series Qatar. Image Paul Lakatos @asiantourgolf
Florida-based Uihlein has won four times in his career and the last taste of success being earlier this year when he won for a first time on the Asian Tour at the International Series England.
The LIV attached golfer nearly followed that up with a win at the International Series Thailand but finished second after letting a two-shot lead slip on the last and therefore has unfinished business this week.
“The conditions made it hard,” said Uihlein referring to the bright but very windy conditions.
“I mean, it is when it gets windy. It’s fun though. I enjoy it. Kind of shapes the shots for you a little bit. I enjoy it. I definitely prefer when the wind picks up.
“You just kind of try and execute really, I mean, best you can,” he added. “You’re not really playing like plotting, I guess you’re kind of playing like you’re painting a picture when you’re out there, I enjoy that style of golf. I mean when the wind picks up I kind of enjoy it. I feel like it brings everybody into my game.”
Uihlein is one of a host of players who can win The International Series Rankings with just next week’s PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers remaining. He is currently in fourth place and within reach of the leader and fellow American John Catlin.
- Thank you Asian Tour
