Michael Hendry is losing his battle to defend his PGA title at the weekend.
While conditions deteriorated at the Remuera course with squally showers and wind hitting the field, organisers thought the cut for the weekend field of 50 professionals plus ties, would be about even par.
Hendry has won the last two PGA crowns but shot 73, 72 to be one over par and unlikely to make the weekend field. Heavy rain is predicted tomorrow and the tournament is likely to have a two-tee morning start to get the field in before the worst of the weather.
Amateur Josh Munn and NSW pro Josh Cabban both shot 66 in the best rounds of the day and look as though they will make the weekend field after tough starts to the championship.
The clubhouse leader was NSW professional Neven Basic at 7 under after rounds of 67 and 70 with the experienced Peter Fowler at 6 under after rounds of 67 and 71.
On course the overnight leader Kristopher Mueck was 9 under as he neared the turn and Josh Geary was 7 under as he worked his way through his opening nine.
