Coupland in control with 18 holes to go at Foxhills

Dave Coupland followed up his record-breaking opening round of 62 (-11) with a solid second round of 71 (-2) to lead by two shots heading into the final round of PGA EuroPro Tour event  at Foxhills Golf Club and Resort, Surrey.

 

Coupland started the round quickly, picking up two shots in his first three holes, but his first two dropped shots of the tournament came quickly after on the 7^th and 8^th holes before a further two birdies on the back nine restored his earlier efforts.

 

Reflecting on his round he said: “It was a very steady round today, and at times a bit of a grind. The momentum shifted in both directions today but in the end, I came out on the right side of that.

 

“I think there was a lot of expectation from the other guys out on the course who think that because I’m playing well I will go and carry that on, but we all know golf isn’t like that at all; I didn’t really out much pressure on myself but I just got a few bad breaks today that I didn’t have yesterday.

 

“There were a few pins out there that really get your attention, if you get the wrong side of them you’ve really got to really on some good putting to get you out of trouble.

 

“It’s nice to be in this position again and I will look to continue what I’m doing, the guys behind are top quality so I can’t afford to rest on my laurels, I’ll have to be on top of my game if I’m to get a win.”

The lowest round of the day went to Coupland’s nearest rival, Beau Desert’s Richard Mansell, shooting a superb 66 (-7) to sit within two of the Woodhall Spa man, giving Mansell a perfect opportunity for revenge after missing out on his first win at Wychwood Park Golf Club this season when Coupland beat him and Joe Dean by a shot.

 

Just two shots further back sits Coupland’s close friend, and fellow Bostonian Billy Spooner, who is also in the hunt for his second win on the EuroPro Tour this season, one which would all but secure a Challenge Tour card for the 2019 season. He sits tied for third with the top-quality duo of Daniel Gavins (Howley Hall Golf Club) and Billy Hemstock (Teignmouth Golf Club).

 

A cut to the leading 50 professionals and ties has now been made, with those two-under par or better advancing to the final round

LEADING SCORES
PAR 146 (2X73)
Players from England unless otherwise stated
133 D Coupland 62 71
135 R Marnsell 69 66
137 B Spooner 69 68, D Gavins 69 68, B Hemstock 70-67

SCOTS' SCORES
140 C Lawrie 70 70, C Ross 70 70 (T10)
142 L Saltman 70 72 (T28)
143 S Kiloh 72 71, J Henry 71 72 (T37)
144 D Young 73 71 (T49)'

MISSED THE CUT (144 and better qualified for final round)
148 J McColl 74 74
149 M Stewart 76 73
150 C O'Neill 78 72
154 R Campbell 75 79, S Lawrie 76 78
159 A Sutherland 81 78.