Jason Scrivener isn’t intimidated by the company he’ll keep on day two of the Australian PGA Championship and John Lyras learned a lot from battling it out at the Vic Open earlier this year.
The pair overtook Cameron Smith (three-under) and Adam Scott (five-under) to join emerging star Min Woo Lee as overnight leaders at six-under atop a congested standings at Royal Queensland.
Lyras led for three runs at 13th Beach in February before falling on the final day.
“It’s definitely an experience that has definitely helped me grow, kind of build my character,” he said.
“It just helps me realize that I’m good enough to be here and that I belong.
“That’s all I can ask for; just keep coming here and working.
“That’s what we play golf for, to be in the lead every day and that’s what you dream of.”
Scrivener hasn’t lifted a trophy since his breakthrough at the 2017 NSW Open.
But the European tour regular, born in South Africa but raised in Perth, is among the most skilled in a stacked and fresh field after wrapping up his 2022 campaign earlier than most.
He had three weeks at home, compared to Lee who only arrived on Monday.
“It was by no means my best year but it was good to get back to zero, to come home for three weeks and freshen up and I’m looking forward to both of those events (the Open Australia in Melbourne starts next Thursday) long time too,” he said.
“I’ve played enough with big players over the years, so I feel quite comfortable up there.
“But I know if I do my own thing and make my way, I’ll be up there.”
