Senden bides his time in hunt for the maiden major

Staying under the radar ... John Senden hits his stride. Photo: Getty Images

Atlanta, Georgia: Australian John Senden is ready to emerge from under the radar and challenge for a maiden major championship victory. After two unassuming two-under par 68s at the US PGA Championship, the 40 year old is four-under 136, just one shot off the lead at the Atlanta Athletic Club heading into the weekend.

The Queenslander trails American's Keegan Bradley and Jason Dufner who are five-under par and shares third spot with D.A. Points, Jim Furyk and Scott Verplank. Adam Scott was the next best Australian in a tie for 11th just three off the lead at two-under par.

Former world No.1 Tiger Woods missed his first ever cut at the event with a 10-over par total. He fired 22 shots into bunkers and four into the water over the two rounds, shooting 77-73 to be well off the pace.

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The result ensured the 14-time major champion will miss the FedEx Cup play-offs and likely not play again until the HSBC Champions event in China from November 3-6, a week before he arrives in Sydney for the Australian Open.

Senden could have been sharing the lead if not for a three-putt bogey on his final hole but he stayed eternally optimistic.

The Queenslander admitted to being under the radar but felt the limelight would be thrust upon him in the third round and he would lift accordingly. ''I have been feeling very good, striking it well and getting my fair share of putts which is nice,'' he said.

''I've been under the radar for a while but the weekend of a major championship is a different story when you are in amongst the leading groups.

''There will be a lot of eyes watching but I just have to go out there and enjoy it and do what I've been doing the last few days.

''I am looking forward to it. This is what you have to have to be able to win a golf tournament. We practise our butt off to get in these positions and I have to take it in my stride.''

Senden was also refusing to be intimidated by the brutal final four-hole finish. ''I feel fine but everyone in those final groups will be nervous,'' he said. ''The last four holes anything can happen but if you strike the ball well you can steamroll a few others out there. It will be an interesting finish.''

Fellow Queenslander Scott has decided to attack the field despite the fact the course has allowed just 16 of the 156 players to be under par.

''My mind has changed on that a little bit, because both days I've had it three and four under for the rounds, so it's possible to score out here,'' he said. ''It's hard work, but there are a few opportunities to score here. You have to pick your moments.

''You can make up a few shots. I don't think you have to sit there and wait for people to come back.''

AAP