Three way tie at Gösser Open

It was a long day to complete second round of Gösser Open presented by Martin Wiegele. Play was suspended during one hour and 15 minutes due to thunderstorms and lightening. Swiss Martin Rominger and Austrian Roland Steiner had already finished their round when referees stopped game. They both shot 67 for a 10-under-par-total. A third man joined them at the very end of the day, American Trent Leon.

Leon, 25 year old, has been improving his game in College in Dallas where he has been playing for 4 years. He had two wins but it would be his maiden trophy as professional. Roland Steiner is a Challenge Tour player, he had played with success the Alps Tour in 2007, was second of the final ranking without any win. Then, Martin Rominger, had obviously the most various experience as he used to play full time on Asian Tour and made one cut on PGA Tour.

“First it was a bit frustrating to play in lower circuit but I did not have any more results anywhere so it was a good way to regain confidence. I practice a lot in South Africa this winter. And since the beginning of the season, my wife and baby girl are with me on tournament. It obviously has a good effect on my game as I had good results so far.”

Yesterday’s leader lost one place after shooting 72 today but he deserves all the consideration of fellows. As he were leading with a -11 total, he gave himself a 2 stroke penalty as he made one leaf fall during a practice swing. None of his playing partners had seen anything but as soon as he has hit his wonderful recovery shot he went straight to see the referee and explained what happened.

“I really thought I could practice without touching the leaves… Only one felt. I could not have been able to ever sleep not telling I had a doubt. And as I made my referee exam in Saint Andrews, I know how difficult it is to judge each situation…”

He lost 2 strokes but with the feeling to be stronger to face tomorrow. The matter today was not these points but he struggled a bit with his putter.

Players shot very low as announced after first round and the cut is fixed at -4 including 4 Austrian amateurs. Martin Wiegele is -6 total and still have a chance to be the king in his garden.

At Maria Lankowitz
Agathe Séron