Henrik Stenson, the highest ranked player in the field, birdied three of his first five holes to move into a share of fourth place as the leaders prepared to start their second rounds in the Mercedes-Benz Championship.
The World Number Six from Sweden picked up shots at the first, fourth and fifth to advance to five under for the week, two behind first round leader Søren Hansen of Denmark.
England’s Chris Wood, in second overnight on six under, was joined on that mark by Scotland’s David Drysdale who birdied the first.
Hansen’s compatriot Søren Kjeldsen had also moved to five under with birdies at the second and third, with former Open Championship winner Paul Lawrie, Ross Fisher, Scott Strange and James Kingston on the same mark.
Ireland’s Paul McGinley had made up four shots in his first 11 holes after a level par opening round as he looks to secure a fourth Ryder Cup appearance.
