Darren Clarke first sized, then relinquished the position of outright leader after day two of the Compass English Open at the Forest of Arden today and now shares top-spot with Scottish rookie David Drysdale.
Darren Clarke first sized, then relinquished the position of outright leader after day two of the Compass English Open at the Forest of Arden today and now shares top-spot with Scottish rookie David Drysdale.
And the pre-tournament favourite, in search of his third win in four years in this event, was upset over a decision by officials to keep him on the course, cooling his heels, for nearly an hour while rain halted play.
Clarke had eased into his stride on the front nine with three opening pars before three birdies elevated the Tyroneman to 10-under, one shot ahead of Scotland’s Drysdale (67) in second.
He maintained that score until the turn and despite three birdies on the way home, he bogeyed on three occasions to give up his grip on the outright lead.
"I didn't think it was right," said Clarke after posting a 70 to match Drysdale's nineunder-par halfway total of 135.
"I thought they could have called us in. We were on the 10th fairway and it was raining for the majority of the time.
"I wasted probably three shots when we resumed and I put that down mainly to standing around and not having the opportunity to go and hit a few balls and get warmed up again. I won't be having words, but it's just disappointing.
"I understand what they were trying to do - get everybody finished this evening - but it wasn't right."
However, there was good news waiting for Clarke after he had spoken.
He has been drawn with world number one Tiger Woods in the first two rounds of the United States Open in New York next week and commented: "That's fantastic - a great draw.
"Tiger's the best player in the world and a great guy to play with."
Welsh Ryder Cup player Phillip Price, disappointed to finish third in the British Masters last week after leading with a round to play, is well placed again at eight under.
But only one further back is Justin Rose, who came charging past him to win at Woburn with two closing rounds of 65.
Elsewhere veteran Irishman Eamonn Darcy redeemed himself with a fine four-under 68 today and should have done enough to make the cut with his two-under aggregate 142.
Paul McGinley was a shot back on one-under after an array birdies and bogeys, the former outweighed the latter, on the card. Having completed the course in 71, McGinley may be pleased with small progress as the Dubliner searches for the consistency he had become accustomed to.
David Higgins had a miserable end to his 75 yesterday and today has also been a struggle. Despite four birdies on the card, the Waterville pro had them cancelled with two double bogeys at the eighth and 10th and eventually finished five-over after shooting 74.
The week has also concluded early for Des Smyth. With the cut level par, Smyth’s 79 left him well off the pace at six-over 150.