Monty lurking at Euro Open
LITTLE-known European Open leader Pelle Edberg from Sweden had two formidable players lurking behind him after the second round overnight.
Eight-time European No.1 Colin Montgomerie shot the joint-best round of the week, a six-under 64, to finish one stroke off the pace alongside Swede Niclas Fasth who shrugged off a bad cold to fire a 68.
Edberg fashioned his five-under 65 on a windy morning at the K Club to move to eight-under 132 while Montgomerie and Fasth had to endure heavy showers in the afternoon.
Richard Green was the best of the Australians, four off the pace after rounds of 69 and 67.
Montgomerie’s switch this week to a belly putter earned rich rewards. He said the last time he had played as well was in 1999 when he won his seventh successive order of merit.
After an early three-putt left him worrying more about making the cut than winning for the first time in 19 months, the Scot’s belly putter helped secure seven birdies.
“The belly putter seems to be holing out better,” Montgomerie said.
“Everyone said how well I putted at the Ryder Cup in 2002 at the Belfry with that and I’m trying to go back to that kind of stroke.”
Fasth has more than the $US800,000 ($936,000) first prize to gain if he can emulate his BMW International Open victory in Munich two weeks ago, with a top-20 world ranking, second place on the order of merit and a ticket to the World Match Play Championship at Wentworth on offer.
“I’ve got a fever and stuff so I’m not feeling my most energetic,” the former Ryder Cup player said.
“I’ll try and rest and with a bit of luck I’ll feel better tomorrow. I’m going to give it a good go this weekend.”
US Open champion Angel Cabrera trailed Edberg by eight shots after a 69 but the Argentinean did not rule out a victory charge.
“We have 36 holes to come and anything can happen,” the 38 year old said.
Edberg is in unfamiliar territory and has adjusted his sights.
“I’ve never been in this position but I stayed pretty calm when I saw my name on the top of the leaderboard,” he said.
“I’ve been thinking if I can have a good week I can secure my tour card but now I’m hoping I can keep playing like today and do much better.”
Reuters