#IOLYMPICS: Perfect golfing day at Olympic Course

Inbee Park of Korea hits her tee shot on the 16th hole during second round women's Olympic golf competition. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Inbee Park of Korea hits her tee shot on the 16th hole during second round women's Olympic golf competition. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Published Aug 18, 2016

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Rio de Janeiro - Paula Reto fired a second round 67, while Asleigh Simon carded a 69, on a perfect day at the Olympic Course in Rio, on Thursday.

Reto's score saw her moved to tied 32nd in the women's competition, with the lead still held by Korean starlet, Inbee Park.

A four birdie blitz on the back nine, including the 17th and 18th, saw Park continue her fine form in Rio.

The Korean made it consecutive rounds of five-under 66, to hold a one-shot leas over Stacy Lewis of America.

Charley Hull of Great Britain, is well poised to try and match the feats of Justin Rose in the men's competition, and complete a rare double for the Brits.

With conditions ideal and almost windless, several players took advantage and attacked the Olympic Course.

The women's competition, though not enjoying the fanfare that the men had last weekend, has been well received by a country where the sport is a hobby mostly for the rich.

The women's field has far greater depth in terms of world rankings, compared to the men.

An intriguing sideshow at the women's event has been the number of sister combinations in the field. Several players opted to take their sisters as caddies, in order to share the unique experience of the Olympics with someone really close.

Of course, that can also be a risky decision, given the vagaries of the game.

“We are just happy to be here together,” Sofia Molinaro of Italy said.

She is caddying for sister Giulia this week, and the caddy admitted that the course had been a challenge.

“It's a very different occasion, not like any other week. We haven't played well, but the final two days may give us something.”

The Molinaros are well down on the list, after back to back 78s, but the memories made this week will last them a lifetime.

“We are so proud to be part of Team Italia. To share it with my sister is beyond words,” she smiled.

Independent Media

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