25 August 2019: The Boise Open is the stage of many dreams. As the second of three Korn Ferry Tour Finals events reaches a promising climax, Viktor Hovland enjoys a one-stroke edge over Rob Oppenheim and Bronson Burgoon. Anirban Lahiri showed enormous patience and courage as she posted a spotless 69 in the second round of the Albertsons Boise Open in Idaho.
There have been some impressive performances this week as these eager men seek a future on the PGA TOUR, none better than the 10-under 61 from Oppenheim. The American moved to T2 with a stunning second-round performance, including two back to back eagles and six birdies.
Norwegian Hovland shot seven-under 64 to retain his hands on the lead. Hank Lebioda, Tyler Duncan and Ryan Brehm were lying T4 at 13-under 200. Mark Hubbard, Kramer Hickok, Matthew NeSmith, Grayson Murray and Charlie Saxon rounded off the top ten at 12-under after 54 holes.
Anirban started his day with a birdie at the par-5 second hole. The Indian made 83% greens in regulation, but a putting average of 2.00 meant that he had to make do with a crispy round of golf without any damage.
After the turn, Anirban reached the green in one on the par-4 15th before taking two putts to secure his second birdie of the round. At 11-under, Anirban has five others for company in T12.
Hovland picked up four strokes in his first five holes as he stamped his authority on the leaderboard very early on Saturday. After making the turn in 32 strokes, Hovland added three more birdies for his impeccable 64.
Burgoon inched ahead by picking up four strokes in five holes from the third, but a bogey at the ninth served to halt his cart in its tracks, just ahead of the turn. He steadied the boat with six straight pars, before an eagle three at the 16th secured a 66 to his name.
Anirban should be able to secure his PGA TOUR card with a finish inside the top 25, but the Indian will look to make the most of his good run this week to hunt for victory. He is only four strokes off the pace.
