Golf: Lee bounces back with eight-under

Danny Lee. Photo / File

New Zealand No 1 Danny Lee has bounced back with a scintillating eight-under par 64 to be tied for second at the WNB Golf Classic in Texas on the Nationwide Tour this morning (Friday, NZ time).

Lee, who was disqualified from the Soboba Golf Classic last week when he withdrew with injury but did not tell the tournament officials, produced seven birdies, an eagle and a bogey at the Midland Country Club to finish one shot back from the leader American B.J. Staten.

The former US Amateur champion is currently 14th on the Nationwide Order of Merit and a good result in Texas would all but secure his place on the PGA Tour for next year.

Lee, who has earned $230,000 from 15 events on the tour this year, is fifth on the standings of those who have not recorded a win.

The former World No 1 amateur is delivering on the promise he showed in New Zealand and has delivered an ultra-consistent year that has seen him manage six top 10 finishes on the feeder tour.

Manawatu professional Tim Wilkinson had five birdies and a bogey for a four under par 68 to earn a share of 25th place.

Tauranga professional Josh Geary, who is 62nd on the Order of Merit, managed the same number in an eventful round that included six birdies, an eagle, two bogeys and a double bogey.

Brad Iles is tied 113th after a one-over par 73.

On the European Tour Michael Campbell is in a share of 36th place after a two under-par 70 at St Andrews in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The tournament is played over three courses; St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.

Former European Tour pro Gareth Paddison, in a rare appearance back in Europe, had a one-under 71 at Kingsbarns to be in a share of 48th place. Mark Brown, who is fighting for his Tour card had a one over 73 at the same venue to be tied 101st.

The 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen holds the lead with a six under par 66 at Kingsbarns.