Scotland’s Chris Doak took over at the top of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open leaderboard as the second round began at Castle Stuart Golf Links.
With overnight leader John Parry among the afternoon starters after his brilliant opening eight under par 64, Doak took full advantage of more glorious conditions in Inverness.
Having begun with a six under par 66, birdies at the second and third saw him draw level with Parry before rolling in a five footer at the long sixth to reach nine under and take the outright lead.
England’s Gary Lockerbie was two under through five holes to join compatriot Simon Khan – another of the late starters – in a tie for third on seven under; while a host of star names were battling to get into contention on six under.
Recent Madeira winner Peter Uihlein, Swede Henrik Stenson and former Open Champion Darren Clarke all progressed to join the likes of World Number Eight Phil Mickelson three behind the leader.
Doak, who is playing only his second full season on The European Tour at the age of 35 and has only once finished in the top ten, was briefly caught at the top of the leaderboard by Stenson, but responded with a two on the 11th to edge clear again on ten under.
Stenson was putting together the round of the day, the Swede playing the back nine in 32 and picking up further shots on the first, second and fifth to be seven under for the day.
