ROOKIE PRO GREG NICOLSON STRUGGLING BUT MAKES THE CUT

By COLIN FARQUHARSON Colin@cottishgolfview.com  Edinburgh's Greg Nicolson, pictured, is finding that life as a professional golfer can be a bit of a slog at times. After turning pro a week past Monday in Abu Dhabi and finishing in the top 10 with the help of an ace in the first event of the MENA Tour, the Mortonhall member is lying joint 36th in this week's 54-hole tournament, the Ras Al Khaimah Classic at Tower Links Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates. He made the cut with three shots to spare after rounds of 77 and 75 for 152. But he is a long way off the lead, presently held by another rookie pro, Londoner Jake Shepherd, 21, who is on 10-under-par 134 with a couple of 67s and five shots clear of the field. Other Scots in the field are Ross Bain (71 for 145), Simon Dunn (73 for 146) and Fraser McLaughlan (76 for 155). The last named made the last day's play with nothing to spare. Leading second-round totals Par 144 (2x72) 134 Jake Shepherd (Eng) 67 67. 139 Yasin Ali (Eng) 72 67, Peter Richardson (Eng) 72 67, Ahmed-Reda Rhazali (Mor) 67 72. 140 Matloob Ahmed (Pak) 73 67, Ross Canavan (Eng) 73 67. 141 Lindsay Reynolds (Can) 71 70. Scots' scores 145 Ross Bain 74 71 (T12) 146 Simon Dunn 73 73 (14th). 152 Greg Nicolson 77 75 (T36). 155 Fraser McLaughlan 79 76 (T49).