CARL MASON ON BRINK OF PASSING TOMMY HORTON WIN TOTAL

FROM MICHAEL GIBBONS

Deputy Chief Press Officer

European Tour

mgibbons@europeantour.com

Carl Mason took a giant leap towards becoming the most prolific winner in Senior Tour history after producing a brilliant second round 65 (six under par) for 10-under 142 to establish a one shot lead over Scot Bill Longmuir with 18 holes of the tournament to play.

The Englishman racked up an outstanding seven birdies and just a single bogey at the El Vale Golf Resort in Murcia, taking him to the brink of passing Tommy Horton’s record of 23 Senior Tour career victories.

Mason equalled that impressive tally in Switzerland last year but can become Europe’s most successful Senior by keeping Longmuir and the rest of the chasing pack at bay in Friday’s final round.

The 57 year old Mason was quick to play down the significance of what would be an historical victory in Spain, but he will surely be privately eyeing the chance to be recognised as Europe’s most prolific Senior Tour champion.

“It would be nice if I can win tomorrow, it would be nice to do it,” said Mason, who holed an unbelievable 60 foot birdie putt on the first hole of his second round.

“But there is still another day and we all know anything can happen over 18 holes. If I play like I know I can then I can do it but I try not to think about records or anything like that – I just play my game and enjoy it.

“I certainly enjoyed the round today – I played well, putted nicely and it was a nice round of golf given how tricky the conditions were at points.”

While Mason naturally wanted to take the focus away from his record-breaking attempt, Longmuir is well aware that he can play the role of party-pooper during the final round at the El Vale Golf Resort. The Scotsman added a fine 67 to his opening 66 to lie just one shot off the pace on nine-under-par 133. 

“I played similar to yesterday – technically it was very solid and that is probably the most pleasing part of the round today,” said Longmuir.

“Tomorrow will be interesting – Carl Mason is out to beat that record, and I am here to stop him! He is a good friend of mine and I will enjoy very much playing with him tomorrow.”

 SECOND ROUND TOTALS
Par 142 (2x71)

132 C Mason (Eng) 67 65

133 B Longmuir (Sco) 66 67

137 B Cameron (Eng) 66 71

138 D Merriman (Aus) 66 72
139 J Rozadilla (Esp) 69 70, J Rivero (Esp) 66 73, A Oldcorn (Sco) 69 70, G Ryall (Eng) 70 69, A Fernandez (Chi) 69 70
140 P Mitchell (Eng) 68 72, J Harrison (Eng) 67 73, D Smyth (Irl) 68 72, N Job (Eng) 68 72
141 J Chillas (Sco) 72 69, J Stuart (USA) 69 72, C Rocca (Ita) 71 70, G Wolstenholme (Eng) 72 69, G Banister (Aus) 71 70, A Franco (Par) 70 71,
142 G Brand (Eng) 73 69, B Smit (RSA) 70 72, A Garrido (Esp) 72 70, J Quiros (Esp) 70 72, J Bruner (USA) 70 72,
143 S Cipa (Eng) 72 71, B Lincoln (RSA) 72 71, A Sherborne (Eng) 75 68, M Belsham (Eng) 71 72, J Cañizares (Esp) 71 72, C Williams (RSA) 71 72, D Durnian (Eng) 68 75, E Darcy (Irl) 71 72,
144 J Heggarty (Nir) 70 74, D O'Sullivan (Irl) 72 72, G Ralph (Eng) 74 70, J Gould (Eng) 72 72, S Van Vuuren (RSA) 71 73, H Carbonetti (Arg) 71 73,
145 S Bennett (Eng) 74 71, J Sallat (Fra) 74 71, D Cambridge (Jam) 76 69, G Manson (Aut) 71 74,
146 P Dahlberg (Swe) 76 70, L Carbonetti (Arg) 73 73, K Spurgeon (Eng) 74 72,
147 J Rhodes (Eng) 73 74, T Charnley (Eng) 75 72, E Rodriguez (Esp) 75 72, M Moreno (Esp) 71 76, M Farry (Fra) 77 70, J Stansberry (USA) 76 71,
148 A Sowa (Arg) 74 74, G Cali (Ita) 75 73, G Brand Jnr (Sco) 72 76, A Forsbrand (Swe) 72 76
149 M Gray (Sco) 73 76, J Hall (Eng) 75 74, T Johnstone (Zim) 75 74,
150 M Piñero (Esp) 76 74, F Mann (Sco) 72 78, M Bembridge (Eng) 74 76,
151 J Davila (Esp) 79 72, P Errity (Irl) 71 80, M Kierstenson (Eng) 74 77,
152 B Hardwick (Can) 80 72, M Briggs (Eng) 78 74,
154 L Cooper (USA) 78 76,
155 B Stevens (Eng) 76 79,
157 M Miller (Sco) 75 82,
158 V Garcia (Esp) 77 81,
159 E Polland (Nir) 75 84,
171 G Hopkins (USA) 88 83