Rookie Yusaku Hosono rewrote the course record books at the Token Tado Country Club by firing a sparking 10-under-par 61 to spearhead the local charge at the Token Homemate Cup with New Zealand’s Michael Hendry enjoying another flawless 66 to head into the weekend in joint third place.
But Hendry, who’s chasing a second victory in the tournament, has work cut out for him as he currently lies six shots off the lead at the halfway stage.
Related: Michael Hendry in early contention at Token Homemate Cup
The 2015 champion birdied five times to reach 10-under-par 132, with Hosono, a Q-School graduate, sprung a surprise to be the man to catch on 16-under-par after trading a whopping 11 birdies with a lone bogey.
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“I didn’t drive as well as yesterday, but my short game’s really good. All in all, it was really solid just like yesterday,” said Hendry, who finished runner-up at the Asian Tour’s World City Championship in Hong Kong last week.
Two-time JGTO winner Ryu Hyun-woo fired an eagle on the par-five eighth en route to turning in 32 before mixing three more shots with two bogeys on the back nine as a 66 left him seven shots off the pace in the fifth spot alongside Ryo Ishikawa on 133.
American Han Lee and South Korean pair Song Young-han and Park Sung-joon were a further shot back after returning 68, 65 and 67 respectively.
Lee was left kicking himself after his good work early in the day was undone by three strokes dropped over the last four holes.
Prior to the late blemishes, Lee was on fire when he picked up shots from 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th, first and second to go six-under for the day.
Lee, who finished tied ninth last year, can still afford a smile.
“I’ve been playing really good, being able to hit it both ways and make some putts too,” said Lee.
“Really looking forward to the weekend.”
Lee has made winning his first JGTO title in 11 years his ultimate goal this year.
“My goal is to try to get back in the winners’ circle. I’m healthy right now and love to compete. I’ve got a full card this year, so there will be plenty of opportunities,” said Lee, who won his Mynavi ABC Championship for his sole Tour victory in 2012.
Hosono’s name may not ring a bell, but definitely not after today resuming his dream start with a record-breaking display.
The 20-year-old bettered the previous record held by Kamii Kunihiro (2013) and Brendan Jones (2012) by one shot.
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With a four-shot cushion over two-time prize money king Shugo Imahira with 36 holes to go, Hosono dares to dream big.
“Actually I didn’t aim for this score. I just played golf. When the round finished I realised the score!” said Hosono, who’s making his only fourth JGTO start.
“I’m very happy with that (course record). I never thought about competing in the final round, but now I do, I’m going to try to aim for a win.
“I know that it’s not easy so I will do my best.”
