Kazuma Kobori was looking forward to a late weekend tee time after playing his way into contention for a first DP World Tour title at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo.
The New Zealander is competing in his rookie season on the DP World Tour after earning an exemption by finishing top of the 2023/2024 Challenger PGA TOUR of Australia Order of Merit.
After making a quick adjustment to life in the professional ranks, following a successful amateur career that included winning the individual Eisenhower Trophy in 2023, Kobori has shown glimpses of his potential.
Solo third at last month’s BMW International Open was his best finish of the season so far, but he has since followed that with three missed cuts.
However, he backed up an opening three-under-par 69 with a 68 to sit in a tie for third at seven under at the halfway stage on his debut at The Belfry Hotel & Resort.
"To be honest, I have got minimal expectations," said Kabori.
"It's the first time this season that I've teed off so late on the weekend. So, I don't know what it's going to feel like.
"It's probably going to feel a lot different than when I shot nine under in the final round at BMW [International Open], just chasing everyone down.
"So I don't know what it's going to be like, but I'm excited for what's ahead."
After securing his exemption for the 2025 season, Kobori was afforded some starts and invitations last season but made just one cut from his seven appearances.
While the prospect of being in the thick of a weekend title pursuit is uncharted territory on the DP World Tour, the 23-year-old - who is 58th on the Race to Dubai Rankings - is pleased with how his game is holding up at an unfamiliar venue.
Asked for his approach on Saturday as he looks to maintain the momentum from his opening two days, he said: “Just keep the ball in the fairway, even though the fairways are really tight, and then when you're at a position, just take your medicine.
“There are times like where you kind of want a hero shot and it's pretty inviting, but I feel like I did a pretty good job of chipping out when I didn't feel comfortable or, like, hit into the fat part of the green.
“So, I think discipline is going to be the key for me these next two days.”
