Matt Wallace is confident that if he can find his game off the tee he can be right in contention for a fourth win of the season at the Portugal Masters.
The Englishman spoke after his opening 64 of how he was grinding at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Club and while he was still not entirely comfortable with his game after a second-round 67, he headed into the weekend just one shot off the lead.
He made long putts on the ninth and 11th but three-putted the 17th before holing another lengthy effort on the last for a closing par.
After that last shot, the 28 year old headed to the range to iron out his swing and he is confident he will not need to hole such long putts on Saturday if his long game is in sync.
“That one was big at the end,” he said. “I caught two really nasty lies. I felt like I had stepped up to hit the right shots and caught those lies and I've managed to hole a 25-footer for par so really happy.
“A little disappointed with the three-putt on 17 after two really good shots but we're going to go to the range now and work on it as it hasn't been pretty the last few days.
The greens part is good, it's getting there in the first place - Matt Wallace
“The greens part is good, it's getting there in the first place. I'm not hitting the right shots. If I get my driver back, I hit some really nice irons near the end there, so if I can find my driver - I'm chipping and putting great so if I can carry that on I'll be in contention.”
A victory this week would be an emotional one for Wallace who is playing for his friend and former Challenge Tour player Ricki Neil-Jones.
The 34 year old was due to play this week but has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and Wallace would love to lift the trophy for him.
“I'm playing for Ricki Neil-Jones, really good player, used to play on the Challenge Tour,” he said. “I actually practised here with him a couple of years ago before I won in Portugal, so it's quite sentimental playing back here again.
“Unfortunately he's been diagnosed with terminal cancer. I managed to get him an invite to this event through Keith Pelley and the Portuguese federation, but...
“He's a good friend of mine and a lot of the other players as well. It would mean a lot to me if I could be in contention with nine holes to go as it would be really extra special if I could win here.”
