Golf: Sub-par rounds difficult

New Zealand could not improve their position as sub-par rounds again proved elusive on day two of the Espirito Santo world women's amateur championships in Malaysia.

The New Zealanders reached the halfway point at Kuala Lumpur's Saujana Golf and Country Club still in a tie for 15th - 15 shots adrift of leaders Thailand.

After a disappointing five-over opening round of 78, Brenda Ormsby led the way for the New Zealanders yesterday with their best round of one-over 74.

Tina Howard was consistent with a 75 to go with her first-round 74, and Wendy Hawkes had the non-counting score of 77.

New Zealand began the day 11 shots adrift of Thailand and ended it on a two-round total of 299, seven-over alongside defending champions France and Chinese Taipei.

Thailand (284) had a three-shot advantage over Germany at the top of the leaderboard in the 39-nation tournament. Spain (288) were third and Italy (290) fourth. Just three players broke par on the day.

* The group spearheading the drive to get women admitted at Augusta National Golf Club may soon begin targeting sponsors of PGA Tour events to put more pressure on club leaders.

Martha Burk, chairwoman of the National Council of Women's Organisations, said the move would be one of several if there was no progress soon in getting women into the exclusive, 300-member club.

The issue prompted Augusta National to drop its television sponsors - Citigroup, IBM and Coca-Cola - for next year's Masters in an attempt to shield the club from further controversy.

Without sponsors, CBS' Masters coverage will be the only commercial-free telecast in sports.

- AGENCIES