Australian Daniel Gale has battled into contention in the Mauritius Open, shooting the best round of the day in the European tour event with his seven-under par 65.
The 28-year-old Sydneysider had struggled with a disappointing opening 76 on Thursday but rebounded brilliantly 24 hours later with a scintillating second-round effort that featured seven birdies and no bogeys.
At three under par at halfway, Gale, the world No.759, has rocketed up into the top-20, now five off the lead held jointly at Mont Choisy Le Golf by Denmark rookie Hamish Brown, who carded a second successive 68, and England’s Eddie Pepperell.
Brown grabbed three birdies in a row from the third to the fifth holes on Friday, and enjoyed two more on the back nine, with only a bogey on the par-three 17th for the second day in a row spoiling his four-under round.
“It was good conditions, not too much wind today,” Brown said.
The course is fairly wide, you don’t have to do too much off the tee. It is more into the greens. They are a bit tricky to putt on as well. We have only played two rounds so there is a lot of golf left.”
Brown, born in Denmark to a Scottish father, is level with Pepperell, who was the overnight leader and carded a 70 on Friday.
“I do think what I’m working on the last couple of days with my swing has certainly got legs,” said Pepperell.
“Let’s hope it’s got weekend legs on. I think it’s pretty good and I’ve just got to keep doing it.”
The two leaders are one shot ahead of South African Christo Lamprecht (68) and another Dane, Jacob Skov Olesen (70).
https://thewest.com.au/sport/golf/aussie-gale-blows-up-a-storm-at-the-mauritius-open-c-17154630
