Soomin Lee grabbed the clubhouse lead midway through day two of the Moutai Singapore Open today after making birdie on the last two holes – reviving memories of his success here on the New Course at Singapore Island Country Club a mere 14 years ago.

He shot a second-round eight-under-par 64 to reach 12-under for a two-shot advantage over a group of five players mid-way through day two.

Remarkably, the Korean also shot a 64 here in 2011to finish second in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, behind none other than Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama – who won for the second successive year.

“I have good memories here, no doubt,” said Lee. “It’s why, when I come here, I feel comfortable, with more confidence.”

Soomin Lee.

He is facing a very different New Course this week as it has been re-designed but that did not hold him back as he carded nine birdies, including four on the trot from the third, and one bogey. That bogey came on the second, before it was followed immediately after by those four birdies.

He said: “I started a little slow but bounced back. Yesterday I felt something really good with my putter. I felt if I hit fairways and greens, I would have chances today. That’s why I played well today.”

The penultimate hole is reachable par-four, while the 18^th is within range in two.

“Number 17 and 18, I felt are easy holes,” he explained “I can hit the green at number 17 and 18. If I hit a good driver I can go for the green on 17, like today. On 18 I was just short in two and got up and down for a four.”

The 32-year-old turned professional three years after the Asia-Pacific Amateur and has won once before on the DP World Tour, at the 2016 Shenzhen International and is a five-time winner on the Korean PGA Tour.

He has also played on the Asian Tour for the past decade, finishing second on two occasions.

He recorded a top-10 finish in the International Series Philippines two weeks ago – a timely result that helped move him into 72^nd position on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, putting him back on track to keep his card for next year.

In hot pursuit in second are: Ian Snyman (65), Wang Wei-hsuan (66), John Catlin (66), James Piot (66), Caleb Surratt (68) and  Ollie Schniederjans (68).

Half the field are still on the course.

Pictures by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.