Ford keeps his nose in front
Matt Ford will take a one-shot lead into the weekend at the Africa Open after adding a second-round 66 to his opening 67.
The 36-year-old Englishman took full advantage of the calmer morning conditions to move to 11 under for the tournament, mixing six birdies and an eagle with two bogeys.
Not bad for a player who was almost forced to spend a winter working for Royal Mail before coming through November’s Qualifying School at the tenth attempt.
“I don’t think you can ever get all of it out of the round,” said Ford.
“I missed a short one on 17 and hit a poor tee shot off nine, so those were a couple of mistakes, but you’re always going to make a few of those. I would have taken 11-under at the beginning of the day.”
Eduardo de la Riva is Ford’s closest pursuer, equalling his 66 to lie one shot adrift.
“I played a very good round today with good golf and good putts. I am very happy with the first two rounds,” De la Riva said.
South Africans Jaco van Zyl and Erik van Rooyen and Frenchman Gregory Havret are tied for third place on eight under, three back.
“Yesterday was really tough out there and I was very chuffed to pull two-under out of it,” said Van Zyl.
“I got it a lot easier this morning and when that happens you try to capitalise.”
Overnight co-leader Kevin Phelan fell off the pace with a 72 and now lies six back.
Latest
-
NewsLuke Donald expects Europe to be Ryder Cup underdogs despite home dominance
The United States cruised to a record 19-9 victory at Whistling Straits in 2021.
-
NewsEngland’s Charley Hull triumphs in Texas to end six-year wait for LPGA title
The victory was the 26-year-old’s first on the LPGA Tour since prevailing at the CME Group Tour Championship in November 2016.
-
NewsRyan Fox remembers Shane Warne after St Andrews success
The New Zealander secured his third DP World Tour title in front of his family with a one-shot victory at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
-
European TourRomain Langasque equals course record to lead Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
The Frenchman recovered from an early bogey with two eagles and eight birdies to reach 11 under par.
-
NewsRory McIlroy bemoans ‘ugly year’ and seeks solution to divide in golf world
The arrival of Saudi-backed LIV Golf series has fractured the game in 2022.
-
NewsOn this day in 2014 – Europe retain Ryder Cup with Gleneagles victory
The Gleneagles victory was Europe’s eighth win in 10 matches.
-
European Tour‘Is this where I am going to die?’ Nicolas Colsaerts on kidney disorder battle
The Belgian is the focus of attention this week as he belatedly defends the Cazoo Open de France title he won three years ago.
-
Ryder CupOn this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe team
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
LIV GolfOpen champion Cameron Smith wins first LIV trophy in just second start
The world number two is the highest-ranked player to join the rebel series.
-
European TourRobert MacIntyre beats Matt Fitzpatrick in play-off to win Italian Open
MacIntyre birdied the first extra hole at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup.