2013 Golf: Dream Leaderboard in Turkey

Who could ask for a better leaderboard than we have at The Turkish Airlines Open by The ministry of Culture and Tourism after the second round. Race to Dubai points leader, Henrick Stenson has a share of the lead at twelve under par, with number four, Ian Poulter, and guess who is one stroke back? Both Tiger Woods and Henrik are hitting those laser guided irons, and Ian is making putts. It’s going to be a great finish in Turkey this weekend.

All players got an early wake-up call on Friday to finish the delayed first round, and attempt to get round two in the books at the Montgomerie Maxx Golf Course in Antalya, Turkey. Everyone came to play, and who could ask for a better leaderboard? There are both, top players, and unknown players with a piece of the lead as we head into the weekend.

Before putting up a bogey at the 17th hole, Victor Dubuisson from France had the outright lead at 13 under par. After joining everyone with birdies on the final hole, the young Frenchman carded a 65 on the day, and is tied with everyone at 12 under par.

The big mover on the day was the World’s number one golfer. Tiger Woods had it all working on Friday. He hit faiways and greens, and had the putter dialed in as well. Tiger shot a bogey-free round and got in the clubhouse at 11 under par, one shot off the 36 hole lead which is shared by Dubuisson, Ian Poulter, Henrik Stenson, and Justin Walters from South Africa. Tiger missed several putts inside of ten feet, or i could have been a much different leaderboard.

Henrik Stenson could have run away and hid today, but couldn’t make a putt. The current FedEx Cup Champion, and leader in Race To Dubai points didn’t have a bogey on his score card, but only managed pars through the front nine. The 37 year-old Swede got warmed up on the back, but only managed a four under 68 when most of the challengers were shooting in the low 60’s.

After struggling with wrist problems since the Tour Championship, Stenson looks to have his game ready for Dubai next week. He is starting to look like the Henrik Stenson we saw down the stretch in the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Tiger Woods is in Turkey playing on a $3 Million Dollar appearance fee. This tournament had a lot of exposure in the world golf community, but the Ministry of Tourism decided that  the addition of the most popular golfer in the world might bring in the American audience. It hooked me!!

The only big name not in Turkey this week is Rory McIlroy. I think he needed to play this week if he wanted any possibility of catching the leaders in Dubai. As it stands, his 38th position will leave him needing to shoot lights out in Dubai next week, and I don’t believe his game is not that dominant at this time.

Source: EuropeanTour.com

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