The Tasmanian sits alongside Adelaide’s Phil Chapman in the lead at 2-over par on the challenging Vines Golf Club at Reynella layout south of Adelaide.
But, remarkably, Longmore hasn’t fired a back-nine birdie in two days and has played the closing nine a combined 6-over par.
“I’ve really struggled on that back nine, I’m yet to have a birdie out there and it’s been a real struggle,” said the Launceston Golf Club member, who began his second round off the tenth tee.
“But I came home strong. The front nine was really good … and I holed a few putts.”
But he wasn’t alone. For the second straight day, the front nine was far more forgiving for the 85-strong field, yielding 77 birdies to 42 on the way in. Longmore and Chapman will be in the sights of two home-club members tomorrow with Michael Bruggeman (+4) and Tony Nobbs (+3) among those in contention with the latter shooting Day 2’s best round, an even-par 72.
The other main contenders are Kiwi Dale Clarke at 3 over, while former champion Andrew Tharle, of Royal Canberra, is two back at 4 over and still tied for fifth despite two uncustomary double-bogeys on his card over the first 36 holes.
In the women’s field, Louise Mullard, of New South Wales, holds an almost bullet-proof 18-stroke lead after rounds of 74-76 left her at 8 over.
Remarkably, Mullard has had 26 pars over the two days – more than anyone in the field, including the men.
