David Hunter sits two shots ahead of the field on 151 after round two.

Darryn Jenkinson and youngster Josh Kelly are hot on Hunter’s heals for the 2019 championship sitting on 153.

Hunter, who plays off a handicap of four, said it was exciting to be in the leading group.

“I’m honoured to be in the last four players,” he said.

“I was in the group two years ago against Tim Coffey.

“We were miles behind so it was a bit different. This time around – it’s going to be really exciting.”

Read more: Close battle after first round

Hunter has played golf since he was a child, involved in the sport through both his grandfathers.

“I’ve played golf for a long time,” he said.

“But I played a lot of cricket and in the last six or seven years since giving it away I’ve really concentrated on golf.”

Hunter is at the lowest handicap he has ever received for the 2019 championships, 

“I’d like to improve a little bit more,” he said.

“I might be asking for a bit much there. I had a few lessons in Ballarat two years ago which made a huge difference and I’ve been guided by lower handicapped golfers around the club too.”

Hunter said although he misses the team atmosphere around cricket, he likes the flexibility golf gives him for his lifestyle.

“If it’s too hot you can play in the morning – but with cricket, you are committed to a certain time,” he said.

“I own my own business and have a young family – if I can’t play due to commitments, that’s ok.

“Golf is all about self-improvement and trying to lower your handicap to play the best you can be.”

Related: Stawell's Tim Coffey tees up for pro tournament

When talking about his upcoming round, Hunter said he was just going along for the ride.

“I just want to do my best and if it isn’t good enough on the day it’s a credit to the others,” he said.

Des Pickford will round out the leading group of four, scoring 159 after two rounds, six shots behind Hunter.

Jenkinson, playing off eight, leads the A grade handicap trophy on 137 – six shots clear of Hunter.

In other grades the contest is just as tight as the A grade players.

In B grade scratch, Ian Hyslop on 157 is two shots clear of Tony Rathgeber on 159.

Rathgeber leads Rob Freeland (Jnr) by four shots in the handicap division.

David Hooper is three shots in front of Rob Blachford and Adam Holloway in C grade scratch division while Phil Hutton on 138 leads Craig Eckel by three in the handicap division.

Seeded players will tee off at the following times;

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