You are in > manchester.com  > News > Veteran Clarke leads Scottish Open by three shots

Golf

Veteran Clarke leads Scottish Open by three shots

14/07/2006

Ireland's Darren Clarke rolled back the years to card a second round of 65 to lead by three strokes at the Scottish Open.

The veteran Ulsterman made seven birdies and dropped just one shot at the Loch Lomond course to finish on 11-under going into the weekend.

Ireland's Damien McGrane is tied for second with Sweden's John Edfors and South African Charl Schwartzel on eight-under.

Scotland's David Drysdale is tied with Welshman Jamie McDonaldson on seven-under while home favourite Colin Montgomerie is on four-under.

English duo Lee Westwood and Ian Pouler still have an outside chance of victory on six-under and five-under respectively.

But it was Clarke who stole the show with three birdies in his final five holes to surpass his rivals at the top of the leaderboard.

The 37-year old, without a title this season, said afterwards it was pleasing to be in a good position having worked on his game in preparation for the tournament.

He said: "I hit it really nicely today and gave myself an awful lot of chances."

"I missed a few unfortunately but, overall, six under is pretty good."

"I have been working on a few things with Ewen Murray and trying to hit the ball as hard as I can. If the club is in the right position then I can do that and I am feeling quite comfortable with what I am doing."

Clarke would be a popular winner after turning out for the tournament despite his wife Heather's battle with cancer.

His best finishes have been third place at the Bay Hill Invitational and Irish Open this year.

© Adfero Ltd