Tyrrell Hatton holds a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo after adding a second round seven under par 65 to his opening 69.
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The six-time DP World Tour winner made the most of ideal morning conditions on Friday to set the clubhouse target at ten under par and he will take a slender lead into the weekend with none of the afternoon starters able to catch him at the summit.
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Among those looking to hunt him down are nearest challengers Jorge Campillo, from Spain, Frenchman Jeong weon Ko, and South Africa’s Brandon Stone who posted a blistering round of 64 to sit one shot off the lead on nine under.
Home favourite Hatton is a newcomer to this week’s host course at The Belfry but he looked extremely comfortable on day two as he carded eight birdies and a single bogey.
Starting from the tenth tee, Hatton saved par from seven feet on the 11th before picking up his first birdie of the day at the short 12th, with further gains arriving at the 14th, 16th and 17th to make the turn at four under.
The four-time Rolex Series winner continued the hot run with birdies at the third and fifth, before sandwiching his sole blemish at the eighth with birdies at the seventh and closing ninth.
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Afternoon starter Stone posted the lowest round of the day, with the South African’s 64 containing nine birdies – including seven in eight holes around the turn – and a single bogey.
Frenchman Tom Vaillant and Dane Niklas Nørgaard were another shot behind, in a tie for fifth on eight under par, while South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence is seventh on seven under.
Player quotes
Tyrrell Hatton: It was nice to see some putts go in today to be honest. I definitely hit the ball better yesterday. But yeah, the big difference was I holed a few putts which was nice, and try and take that moment into the weekend now.
I think any time we get to play in England, fans always come out and have good support. Yeah, I’m definitely enjoying that. As I said earlier, looking forward to the weekend. I think crowds will be pretty special.
Brandon Stone: The British fans are spectacular. Today walking off the golf course, just before 7.00, and I still had a good contingent of people walking with me and supporting me. It really was fascinating and really was fun to be a part of and experience.
I know tomorrow is going to be fantastic. They are going to come out in the thousands like they always do to support the local boys on the local tour, and I think it’s just a real testament to what this event is. Sir Nick Faldo hosting here the Belfry, British Masters; it doesn’t really get much better.
Jorge Campillo: It was good. It wasn’t very good off the tee and middle of the round, but I hit my irons quite good and made some long putts, so that made it easy.
I think that the pins were a little harder today. The guys are too good, I guess. To me it was playing quite similar to yesterday afternoon.
