Patient Scott shares Australian Masters lead, Kuchar lurks

Saturday, 16 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Defending champion Adam Scott was patience personified as he grafted to a share of the lead at the Australian Masters, while American Matt Kuchar moved quietly into contention after the second round on Friday. U.S. Masters champion Scott was rock-solid on another blustery day at Royal Melbourne, shooting a flawless five-under 66 for a nine-under total of 133 and a one-shot lead with local surprise package Nathan Holman. Although sublime off tee and fairway, and enjoying a perfect start with three straight birdies, Scott had to grind his way through a frustrating run of 11 straight pars before picking up strokes on the 15th and 17th. Along with Holman, Scott, who won the Australian PGA Championship in the Gold Coast last week, sit a stroke ahead of overnight leader Nick Cullen and fellow Australian Matt Griffin on eight-under. World number eight Kuchar, warming up for his title defence for the United States at the World Cup of Golf at the same course next week, was alone in fifth place after carding a 66 set up by a blistering front nine.