Paul Howard 13-under-par in Paul Lawrie Foundation Granite City Classic
Paul
Howard will take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the
HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour’s Paul Lawrie Foundation Granite City
Classic at Newmachar Golf Club in Aberdeen as he searches for his first
professional win, just
four months after leaving the amateur game.
The
former England international, who plays out of Southport & Ainsdale
Golf Club, carded a second-round 66, six-under-par, to extend his
18-hole score from seven to 13 under with one round to play.
Ireland’s
Simon Ward is second on 12-under-par after rounds of 65 and 67 on
Newmachar’s Hawkshill Course. Mark Young (Clitheroe), who lead on nine
under after the first round, is second on -11 with Gareth Wright (West
Linton Golf Club)
and Greig Hutcheon (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre) sharing fourth, three
behind the leader.
Howard
began his second round at the 10th and his first-round momentum was
carried forward to Thursday with birdies at 11 and 13. He broke par
again at 16 but bogeyed 17 before gaining that shot back with a three at
18.
He came home in 33 to sign for a second-round 66 and take his place at the top of the leaderboard.
“It’s
hard not to like this course,” said Howard. “The greens are good, the
fairways are perfect and if you hit the fairway you have a good chance.
“I
turned pro in February, not that long ago really. I have played some
Challenge Tour and this is my second EuroPro event. I haven’t won
anything so hopefully I can change that this week. I had been away with
the England team in January
and February but felt I was ready to turn pro.
“Tomorrow’s
game-plan will be the same as today’s. If you hit the fairways and give
yourself a chance and get it pin high you aren’t far from the pin.”
The
Paul Lawrie Foundation Granite City Classic carries a £50,000 prize
fund with the winner taking home £10,000. A cut to the leading 50
players and ties has been made after 36 holes with those whose score is
two-under-par or better
proceeding to play Friday’s final round.
Spectator entry is free throughout the event, and live scoring can be found at
www.europrotour.com. The final round will be filmed for a two-hour highlights package which will air on Sky Sports on Tuesday, July 14.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home