Scotland’s Alan McLean stormed into the lead of the South African Players’ Championship at the halfway stage with a second round 64 to disrupt what was otherwise a leaderboard dominated by home players.
McLean’s eight under par round for a 12 under 132 tally gives him a one shot advantage over South Africa’s Des Terblanche in second at the Royal Cape Golf Club.
US Open champion Retief Goosen lies sixth on nine under after today’s 66 while three of his compatriots - Bradford Vaughan, Jean Hugo and Martin Maritz - share third one shot ahead.
"On the first nine, I only hit three greens in regulation, and I think the holiday swing is setting in," said Goosen, who is playing his final event of a fruitful yet hectic 2001 season. The 32-year-old has won four times this year.
"I'm getting a bit frustrated out there when I hit shots and they don't come off like I want them to. I'm just a bit tired and I'm glad there's only two rounds left for me this year.
Ireland’s Stephen Browne consolidated yesterday’s excellent start by following up with a second round 70. The 27-year-old, who only turned professional two months ago, is tied for seventh on seven under with much to play for over the weekend.
Ernie Els made better progress than his opening 70, the world number four carded a four under par 68 to be six shots adrift.
additional reporting by Reuters