GOLF – Ryan Gerard produced a stellar round of 65 yesterday to move two strokes clear at the halfway mark of the BMW PGA Championship.
The American went bogey free on day two at Wentworth Club, mixing five birdies with an eagle throughout the afternoon to reach 12 under par and lead the way in Surrey.
Gerard, having opened with a 67, was one stroke back heading into his second round, and remained in touch with the leaders as he picked up four shots in 13 holes.
The world number 21 entered the West Course’s famous pair of par-five finishers two behind, an eagle-birdie close seeing him leap to the top of the pack after 36 holes.
The 27-year-old will now set his sights on a maiden Rolex Series victory, having earned DP World Tour status by winning last season’s Barracuda Championship and finishing in a tie for 38th in his debut at this event last year.
Adam Scott and Filippo Celli are the nearest challengers, the pair carding respective second rounds of 67 and 66 in the morning wave to set the initial lead on Friday at ten under par.
Scott, having started on the ninth tee, had to settle for four pars and a bogey over his opening five holes, before a birdie at the par three 14 sparked a run of six in a row.
The Australian mixed a further two gains with as many bogeys on his way home, as he eyes his own maiden Rolex Series victory in his 11th appearance at Wentworth.
Italian Celli registered four birdies and a bogey across his opening nine holes to go out in 32, picking up a further shot on all three of the back-nine par fives to post the low tally.
The 26-year-old, in his 67th start, will be in pursuit of his first win on golf’s Global Tour across the weekend.
Spain’s Manuel Elvira flew up the leaderboard with a 66 of his own to finish the day in a share of fourth at nine under par, alongside US PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai.
American JJ Spaun, Spaniard Nacho Elvira, Englishman Ross Fisher, Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy and New Zealander Ryan Fox round out the top ten a further shot back.
“Just a really, really solid day of golf,” said Ryan.
“Conditions at times were pretty difficult with the wind picking up. Wentworth is not easy with some of these pin locations they like to stick us with during the tournament. You’ve just got to be really patient, pick your spots, and do a good job. If you get out of position, take your medicine and hit the shot that needs to be hit and not try to force the issue.”
“We did a really good job of hitting quality shots. I’ve been hitting the driver and wood good all year. Feels right in my wheelhouse when I stand on some of these tee boxes. I like the way the holes are shaped and I feel good when I have the clubs in my hand.”
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