US professional Nathan Petronzio is threatening to run away with the Gosling’s Bermuda Open.

The overnight leader shot a bogey-free 64, which included five birdies and an eagle, to capitalise on the low scoring conditions on offer and more importantly extend his advantage over the field to four shots at 11 under during the second round at Port Royal Golf Course yesterday.

“The weather is absolutely perfect, so it’s out there,” the 24-year-old told The Royal Gazette.

“The course is in great shape so it’s a blast to play. It’s a whole lot of fun to be out here, and I am just enjoying my time.

“I’m just trying to give myself as many chances and keep the ball in position. I got fortunate with a couple of putts, but overall a great day.

“I wouldn’t say it’s easy, it’s still golf. But I think I’ve done a good job taking what the course has given me; not being overly aggressive and kind of plotting my way around. Just trying to hit as many fairways and greens as I can, and luckily some of the putts have been going in.

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow and hopefully we get another weather day like this.

“The goal is always the same; just take it one shot at a time and do the best I can and see what happens at the end.”

Petronzio wasn’t the only player capitalising on the benign conditions as seven others also produced rounds in the 60s, including Bermuda amateur Oliver Betschart.

Professional Peter Bradbeer and amateur Virgilio Paz sit in second and third at seven under.

American Bradbeer produced the second lowest round yesterday of 65 along with fellow professional David Pastore, who was pleased with his performance on the day.

“I made a lot of birdies and it was a good day. The greens are really rolling well and you can make putts,” said Pastore, who is five shots off the lead at six under.

“I actually let a few slip coming in. It was a good round but I still got a few out there for tomorrow.

“I feel more comfortable with my game plan, how to play the course and getting more comfortable with the green speed.

“I’ve got to play well tomorrow to get the W, but at least I’ve got a chance at it.”

Canadian professional Tyler Hull, who finished third in last year’s tournament, was also feeling inspired after producing the third lowest round of 66.

“Made a lot of putts today. Got off to a way better start than yesterday and just kept the momentum going. Just kept it simple,” he said.

Teenager Betschart replaced fellow amateur Will Haddrell at the top of the local leaderboard after carding an impressive 69 to move up to tenth overall.

The 18-year-old was even at the turn and fared even better on the back nine, which he played at two under after rolling in his third and fourth birdies of the round.

“It was nice out there. We had good conditions and not much wind,” he said.

“Putting definitely needed some work today, couldn’t really make much.

“But other than that felt like I struck the ball pretty solidly today. Hit some fairways and greens and was able to stay in it; make some birdies and not make too many mistakes, so pretty happy about that.”

Two shots back of Betschart in twelfth at three over is compatriot and past Bermuda Open champion Daniel Augustus, who came in with an even par 71.

“I struck it well and putted well. Speed control was good all day but sometimes the ball doesn’t drop and you just have to keep on going until it does,” he said.

“This tournament means a lot to me being a past Bermuda Open champion and having my name on that trophy with so many other great golfers.”

The 54-hole tournament concludes with the third and final round at Port Royal today.

The winner will earn $10,000 in prize money and exemption to next month’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal.

A new champion will be crowned this year as Englishman Henry Smart is not back to defend his title.