Max Kieffer called it one of the best rounds of his career as the Dusseldorf man soared to a stunning course-record 63 to move to within two shots of the lead in the second day of the D+D Real Czech Challenge Open.
Since winning the season-opening Gujarat Kensville Challenge last January, Kieffer’s season has not quite lived up to early expectations but he has remained consistent and currently sits in 27th place in the Rankings.
A big finish to the season is needed, however, if he is to earn a Rookie season on The European Tour and he gave his season a timely boost as his nine under par second round launched him 44 places up the leaderboard into fourth spot.
Having teed off at the tenth hole, Kieffer proceeded to open his round with a birdie and after five pars followed, his round really took off with an eagle at the par five 16th thanks to a four iron second shot to 10 feet which he duly converted.
Back to back birdies at the first and second followed before he gained another shot at the sixth and a monster 360 yard drive at the seventh left him with a seven iron approach before he two putted for birdie.
A perfect tee shot at the par three eighth left him with another 10 foot putt, which he sank for birdie before finishing his round in fitting style with another birdie.
“That was probably one of the best rounds I have ever played,” said the 22 year old. “I played really well from tee to green and I had a lot of shots that were right on line with the pin so I had a birdie chance at almost every hole and my putting was good too.
“In the first round I had a really bad start. I was two over after 12 holes and I was a bit upset but then I had a good finish – eagle, par, birdie – so even though I was only one under I had a really positive feeling after that round.
“There are two more rounds to go but I feel like my game is really sharp now and I really know what to do to play well so I just have to stay calm and focussed and patient and if I do that I should have two more good rounds at the weekend.
“I don’t want to think about the Rankings but it’s always somewhere in the head. It’s really nice to hit form now though with three big weeks coming up and the Grand Final. It’s nice to be still in with a chance of getting a European Tour card.”
