Challenge Tour event is hit by flooding

 

 

EUROPEAN TOUR COMMUNICATIONS

Joel Girrbach continued his hot streak during Day Two of the Bridgestone Challenge, carding four birdies before heavy rain flooded the course at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa.

The Swiss took the first round lead in the innovative event, which is the first tournament in the European Challenge Tour’s history to use a Modified Stableford format, by carding a 64 that saw him amass 16 points.

The 24 year old followed up the nine birdies he made yesterday with four more gains today, taking his total to 24 points as he stood over a birdie putt on the ninth green – the final hole of his second round.

 

But after thunderstorms and a heavy downpour Girrbach was unable to finish his round as the day ended prematurely – but he was relieved to have played so well after a testing day which included four hours of delays.

“I played really well again,” he said. “I had a bit of a shaky start after making bogey on the first hole, but I found my rhythm again and made some really good shots – I am really happy with my game at the moment.

“It was very hard today. After the four-hour delay I had a tricky up-and-down on the sixth, my 15^th hole, and it was such a relief to make that for par.

“The rain started to fall again as I played seven and eight but I made two really good birdies, and it gives me a lot of confidence to have played so well after such a stop-start day.

“It makes it a bit easier for me now as I have effectively put a really good score on the board. I still have about nine yards to go of my second round, so I need to focus tomorrow morning, but I can enjoy my evening after nearly finishing today.”

Of the few players who finished their second rounds today, Austria’s Matthias Schwab holds the clubhouse lead after following up an opening 67 with a 68 for a 16-point total.

Home favourite Tom Murray bagged an eagle and three birdies en route to a 66 which saw him claim 11 points – the round of the day in Luton.

With only nine players completing 36 holes over two days, the majority of the second round will take place tomorrow – and will start at 8am local time.