Korean Lee Driving Towards Victory at Pinehurst

North Carolina, United States: In round two of the inaugural US Adaptive Open at Pinehurst Resort’s Course No 6, more inspiring stories emerged of players overcoming challenges to compete at a national championship level.

No one has done it better so far than Korean Simon Lee, who shot a second consecutive one-under-par 71 to surge to a two-stroke lead over Felix Norrman of Sweden in the men’s division.

First-round women’s leader Kim Moore of the US struggled a bit but still holds a four-stroke edge heading into Wednesday’s final round.

Lee, a 25-year-old professional from the Republic of Korea who grew up in the US, was diagnosed with autism at a young age and has difficulty communicating. But Lee excels with a golf club in his hands, as he showed again on Tuesday. He carded three birdies, including two in his last six holes, and his 142 total is the only 36-hole under par.

Upon being told that he was leading the championship, Lee expressed surprise. “I didn’t realise it,” he said. “I don’t look at leaderboards.”

When asked to name his favourite part of golf, Lee responded with a smile: “Driving.” Lee’s caddie, Yun Seul-gi, confirmed his player’s analysis by simply stating: “He drives the ball really well and makes birdies.”

Moore, who has a leg impairment, was even-par through seven holes, then went double bogey-bogey to finish the front nine and didn’t feel completely comfortable afterward. “The last nine was kind of a grind,” said Moore, who is Head Women’s Golf Coach at Western Michigan University.

“I think I was starting to overheat. I’m glad I finished strong with a par, and I’m still leading. That’s always good. Hopefully I can put together a better round tomorrow and stay a little more hydrated out there.”

Moore’s closest pursuer for the overall women’s title is American Ryanne Jackson, who has a form of muscular dystrophy. Jackson shot a second consecutive 80 for a 16-over 160 total, four strokes behind.

The first-round men’s division leader, Chad Pfeifer of the US, wasn’t able to keep pace with Lee, carding a 78 in round two. He sits alone in third place, six strokes behind the leader at four-over 148, but will be in the final group on Wednesday.

“I’ll just try to play my best tomorrow,” said Pfeifer. “Maybe being with who I’m chasing might help. I’ll be able to judge off his game. I’m still going to try to be aggressive and stick to the game plan.”

Also looking for a big final day to perhaps get into contention for the title are American Jack Bonifant and Kipp Popert, of England, who sit seven strokes off the pace on 149. Five-time PGA Tour winner Ken Green is one stroke further back.