While Bernhard Langer is stealing all the headlines at The Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex, two Englishmen are also faring well in Wales heading into the weekend.
Chris Williams, one of the most consistent players on the European Senior Tour, and Barry Lane, who has posted two top five finishes in the prestigious Major Championship, carded second rounds of 70 and 69 respectively at Royal Porthcawl.
Williams’ four under par total means he was the nearest challenger to Bernhard Langer in the clubhouse, albeit it seven shots behind the German, while Lane is a further three shots back on one under par.
“Links golf is marginal stuff, said Williams. “I haven't played a lot of golf on links courses, so to be where I am is great.
“If you're not playing well, links course can be a nightmare, but I am and I'm enjoying it, so I'm looking forward to getting back out there.”
Langer has looked focused and classy so far, as he attempts to win a second Senior Open Championship, and being in the company of one of the game’s most high profile Senior players is something that excites the 55 year old.
“I expect a performance like this from (Bernhard) Langer, who's playing great golf, even as a senior player,” he said. “He's cleaned up in America a bit, but just being around these guys is exciting. I'm looking forward to it because I've never had the privilege of playing with some of them.”
Lane, meanwhile, is also shaping up for a weekend challenge after shooting rounds of 72 and 69.
The four-time European Senior Tour winner made four birdies on the back nine of his two under par round.
“I played lovely,” said the former Ryder Cup player. “I didn't putt particularly well yesterday, and I missed a couple of short ones today as well, but I honestly can't think I can be more than four better than I am at the minute. So I've played really solid.
“It's very difficult. You can see by the scores, we've got some great players here, if you're just a bit off line you're going to make double and you’ve got to try and keep those off your score card. You get in those pot bunkers and it's playing out sideways, and you still got three‑iron. It's just hard work.”
Another European in the reckoning heading into moving day is Pedro Linhart, after the Spaniard added a round of 69 to the 70 he shot yesterday, to place himself at three under par overall.
“It was a bit more up and down today,” said Linhart. “But overall that’s a good score. This is a good test of golf, so I'm happy to be where I am.
“I've managed to keep my bad shots in play, so I think that's why I haven't made any big numbers on any one hole yet.”
