Weather Afternoon: 8°c Sunny spells Tonight: 5°c Partly Cloudy Night

Sport

Goosen revives magic touch at Loch Lomond

10 Jul 2009


Course record holder Retief Goosen was in great form again at Loch Lomond today, charging into the Scottish Open lead with a second-round 63.

The 2001 champion, whose record 62 actually came four years earlier, had an eagle and seven birdies to move from joint 17th overnight into a two-stroke advantage over Australian Adam Scott.

With overnight leader Richard Green among the later starters, Goosen grabbed the opportunity to seize top spot.

Three birdies took him to the turn in 32. After starting for home with another, he eagled the long third, birdied the next and after dropping his only stroke on the fifth, came back with two more birdies.

The South African said: "I do like it here - it's fairly generous off the tee and I'm not one of the straightest hitters."

But while Goosen moved impressively on to the 11-under-par mark of 131, Colin Montgomerie was assuming he had missed the halfway cut for the third time in a row, despite closing with four successive birdies.

Europe's Ryder Cup captain had been way down the field on four over when he began his run and his 69 for level par still looked set to be one or two strokes too many to survive.

"I birdied them all but you should," said the Scot. "I'm not playing very well. It's gone back to where it was for me -disappointing."

The 46-year-old has not had a top-10 finish for more than a year.

The damage was done this time by a double-bogey six on the 16th, his seventh of the day, and a bogey at the short 17th.

For Scott, three birdies in the closing stretch gave him a 67 and a nine-under aggregate that was one better than his compatriot Marcus Fraser and also German Martin Kaymer.

Reader views (0)

 Add your view

No comments have so far been submitted.


Add your comment

 

Terms and conditions Make text area bigger You have  characters left.

We welcome your opinions. This is a public forum. Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.

For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.


 

 

  • Andre Villas-Boas has an impossible job at Chelsea, says Porto president Andre Villas-Boas Andre Villas-Boas' efforts to turn around Chelsea are being damaged by Jose Mourinho's regular contact with the players, it is claimed
  • Chris Powell: racist abuse between players was accepted in my day Chris Powell Exclusive: After high-profile allegations this season, Charlton's manager Chris Powell is pleased the issue is now being...
  • FA long game will only make muddle worse Alf Ramsey Patrick Barclay: According to Graham Taylor, it can take a manager 18 months to adjust from club football to the different...
  • PFA urged John Terry to quit England captaincy for European Championships John Terry Exclusive: John Terry refused a plea from the Professional Footballers' Association to step down as England captain until...
  • Has Arsene Wenger really found a new batch of San Siro heroes? Cesc Fabregas The Champions League clash between Arsenal and AC Milan will determine whether critics are right to question the strength and ability of...
  • Carlos Tevez targets Manchester City return in two weeks Carlos Tevez Carlos Tevez was due to arrive in England this morning determined to win back his place in the Manchester City team and prepared to...
  • Sam Allardyce hails Mark Noble's commitment ahead of West Ham's clash with Southampton Mark Noble Mark Noble leads out West Ham for his 200th senior match as his manager Sam Allardyce emphasised the importance of a core of home-grown...
  • Nicky Maynard itching to make his West Ham debut against Southampton Nicky Maynard Nicky Maynard is confident that he will be able to score if called upon to make his West Ham debut in the club's top-of-the-table showdown...
  • Ravi Bopara and Steven Finn turn tide to stop tour sliding into a complete disaster Ravi Bopara England have won a match and for their next trick they plan to win a series. Anything is possible now after their victory in the opening...
  • Portsmouth prepare for 10-point penalty Fratton Park Portsmouth are set to go into administration for the second time in two years leaving the club facing a 10-point penalty
  •