Saturday, August 20, 2016

 Rafferty now two shots clear in Scottish 
Senior Open after a rainy day at Archerfield
FROM THE EUROPEAN SENIORS' TOUR WEBSITE
Northern Ireland’s Ronan Rafferty increased his lead at the Prostate Cancer UK Scottish Senior Open, remaining at the top of the leaderboard after a rain-soaked day at Archerfield Links.
The former European Tour Number One went into the second round with a one-stroke lead, and a five under par 67 on the D J Russell-designed Fidra course saw him move two shots clear.
Rafferty carded three birdies on the front nine, making the turn in 33 shots. He then recovered from a bogey on the 12th hole, making gains on the 13th, 15th and 18th holes to move to 14 under par.
“I’m delighted for myself, but also for my amateur,” said Rafferty. 
 “We had some good chat around the course all day, and I didn’t feel like I put myself under any pressure anywhere on the course.
“I wasn’t scrambling around, and I kept it going well. It’s very easy to miss greens here and leave yourself with an awkward shot.
“This is new ground for me, it was a long time ago since I last won a tournament. But, I suppose this is the reason we play, putting ourselves in a position where you can compete and win tournaments.
“If you’re not trying to do well, it’s the wrong game for you to be in.”
Spain’s Santiago Luna, winner of this event in 2013, carded two eagles and three birdies en route to a second-round 65, moving to within two shots of Rafferty on 12 under par.
Luna, a two-time winner on the Senior Tour, won his maiden title on the Torrance Championship Course at Fairmont St Andrews.
“It’s the first time in my life that I have had two eagles in one round,” said Luna.” On 11, I made a 35-foot putt. On the second, I hit an unbelievable second shot. It was like a dream. It was a three-wood, my best shot of the day. It was from 245 to a couple of feet.
“I’m really happy in Scotland, it’s a nice place to be. There are nice venues here and it’s a nice country. I won my first event as a senior here, it’s great.
“My son is on the bag and all my family is here. That helps me relax. This week it’s Jorge, next week it will be my other son Marcos. They have to share the weeks.”
Australian Mike Harwood carded a six under par 66 and is just one stroke behind Luna, and Mark James, European Captain at The 1999 Ryder Cup, shot a second consecutive round of 67 for a ten under par total and sole possession of fourth place.


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