Branden Grace was one of three South Africans in a share of 31st place after the second round on Friday of the Asian Tour’s International Series Thailand after he carded his second successive-three-under-par 67.
Grace was joined by Jbe’ Kruger, who had a two-under-par 68 in the second round, and by Ian Snyman who had a fine five-under-par 65. At six-under-par through 36 holes, the trio was a long way off the lead which was held at 14-under-par by American Peter Uihlein. Uihlein carded an eight-under 62 to go with his opening 64, and he held a one-stroke lead over Australia’s Maverick Antcliff.
Grace made five birdies and two bogeys in his round, as he seeks to regain his status in the LIV Golf league. This year, he had only two top-20 finishes, which was as many as he had in the 50s. He does have the opportunity to earn his way straight back thanks to the LIV Golf Promotions event, with all relegated players gaining entry into the three-day shootout in Abu Dhabi later this year.
Should he fail to earn a LIV spot back via the promotions tournament, he will have the consolation of Asian Tour status for the following campaign. Additionally, the Asian Tour is a partner of LIV and offers one full card to the winner of its International Series, which has been heavily funded by the PIF-backed circuit, so that is another route back to the top table for anyone who was cut.
Jaco Ahlers was two shots behind the leading three South Africans after he carded a three-under 67 to move to four-under and a share of 53rd to make the cut on the number.
David Meyers missed the cut by one after his second round of three-under 67.
