If you weren’t watching, you missed Sam Hutsby, an English gent with a knack for stealing the limelight, craft a snazzy two-stroke lead at the Italian Challenge Open at Argentario Golf Club.
This fellow was tossing birdies like they were confetti at a wedding, ending the day with a hearty four-under-par 67.
Halfway through, and Sam’s scoreboard is a work of art—11 under par. He’s sitting pretty at the top, making the Spaniard Joel Moscatel, compatriot John Parry, and the Frenchman Oihan Guillamoundeguy (whose round was so long it had to be put on pause) look like they’re chasing a bus they just missed.
Sam, isn’t new to this rodeo. With two Challenge Tour titles under his belt, he’s on the hunt this weekend for another. And by the sound of it, he’s been brewing something special.
“I’m very pleased with my two days of play,” he quipped, all grins and confidence. “It’s been bubbling over the last few weeks, but nothing has come together.
I putted really nicely to capitalise on the chances I was giving myself, and that’s something I haven’t been doing the last few weeks.”
His game’s sharper than a porcupine’s backside at the moment. Starting just a whisker behind the lead, Sam blitzed the front nine, snagging four birdies that put him ahead.
A slight stumble with a bogey on the back nine did little to dampen his spirits, or his score.
Now, Hutsby isn’t just playing for kicks; he’s gunning for a spot on the Global Tour. Nestled at 27th on the Road to Mallorca, he’s peeking through the window at the big leagues, hoping to crash the party.
“I love being in this position and I’m looking forward to the challenge of the weekend,” he said.
“It’s what we play for, but it doesn’t happen too often. We’ve only got a few events left this season and I know I’m just outside the promotion places so I need a good week somewhere.
With this being one of the biggest events we’ve played so far, I’m happy I’ve put myself in this position, but I need to capitalise on that now.”
Lurking not too far behind are Borja Virto, Ricardo Santos, and Conor Purcell, all clustered at eight under. South African Justin Walters is a stroke back, keen on making up ground.
So, set your alarms—round two resumes at the crack of dawn. And with the third round delayed until mid-morning, there’s plenty of golf yet to play and plenty of time for Sam to either forge ahead or watch his lead melt like gelato in the sun.
Keep your eyes peeled, folks. This weekend at Argentario is shaping up to be a cracker!
