Exemplary scoring was once again the order the day, with the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course set up for low numbers. With a distinct lack of rough in many parts of the course, in addition to typically beautiful weather conditions on the stunning coastline of the Algarve, it was another day that required players to keep pushing forward, otherwise they would fall behind. Paul Waring and Hennie Otto, who were playing in the same group on Friday morning, would set the target for the day by posting 36-hole totals of 12-under. With a noticeable breeze picking up in the afternoon, it looked as though they would be left alone at the summit, but David Lynn finished superbly to join them at the top of the Portugal Masters.
In the morning Otto and Waring would trade a total of 14 birdies and an eagle, as they compiled stunning rounds of 64 and 63 respectively. Taking advantage of the calm conditions on fresh greens, this dynamic duo would set the standard and target for all of those that followed from their pairing which was just the second out of the day.
Late in the day, David Lynn would match that total after brushing off his recent flu illness that has affected him in recent days. Lynn, who played successfully on the PGA Tour this year, had jointly-led the tournament overnight at six-under. In the end, he would equal his achievements from Thursday morning, by posting a second consecutive round of 65, courtesy of four birdies and an eagle, to retain a share of the lead heading into Saturday.
“It was really good to follow up a round of 65,” said Lynn. “I caught fire early on the back nine, sharing the lead on 12 under so all in all really good.”
After finishing 2nd to Rory McIlroy in the PGA Championship last year, Lynn’s career was catapulted onto a level that for most of his career seemed unlikely. He took the opportunity of playing on the PGA Tour in the United States, playing so well that he had already guaranteed his status on the American circuit for 2014 by the middle of the season. Back in Europe now, Lynn is seeking just his second victory on the Tour, as he attempts to qualify for the season finale in Dubai, in addition to ensuring that he remains among golf’s elite moving into next year.
“I’m trying to get back into the top 50 [of the Official World Golf Ranking] to try and get a Masters invite again next year.”
Paul Waring has enjoyed a solid and consistent year, after recovering from a wrist operation. Playing this year on a medical exemption, the Englishman is currently 86th in the Race to Dubai, with hopes that perhaps this week could launch him into the season ending ‘Final Series’ that gets underway in a fortnight.
“I think the lovely weather's had a bit of a hand in it. I played nice, kept control of my golf ball well, hit it close a few times and holed a few putts.
”I've been playing better for the last few months; I lost by one in Valencia, two in Gleneagles, been knocking on the door a few times so it's nice to keep myself in contention week on week.
“If I can get into one of these big four events (the inaugural Final Series) at the end of the season that would be great.
”I am not going to put too much pressure on myself, I've had a medical exemption all year so it's nice to get back into a proper category for next year.”
Hennie Otto is ensured of status on the Tour next year, after the South African posted strong finishes in his last two events. Now 97th in the Race to Dubai, the 37-year-old is hoping his resurgent form could see him claim a third title on the European Tour.
“It’s been a tough last four months for me and my family so I’ve worked hard on my game and it’s about time it kicked through,” said Otto.
The impressive Austrian Bernd Wiesberger, who has already won twice this year, is just a shot off the lead at 11-under, alongside Chris Doak who is attempting to secure his playing card for next year.
After next week’s Perth International in Australia, the top 110 in the Race to Dubai will be guaranteed their playing rights for 2014, with those outside having to return to qualifying school in an attempt to keep their careers on track.
35-year-old Scotsman Chris Doak, who resides in Greenock, is hoping to avoid that fate, after a career that has seen him come to Europe’s top level late. His flawless second round of 64, courtesy of five birdies, an eagle, and some impressive par saves, has put him in a strong position to achieve his objective this weekend.
”I’m very pleased”, said Doak. “Especially bogey-free for two rounds, anybody will take that. It's a job well done. The mind tends to race so I am just trying to relax and when you are you relaxed you can execute the shots properly and that's what I have done the last two days.”
Former champion Alvaro Quiros is a shot back at 10-under, as he seeks a place in Dubai in November. Alongside him is South African Justin Walters, who is fighting to save his card while trying to overcome the despair of recent family tragedy.
“We had a family crisis this year, two weeks ago my mum passed away and with her she really took all the pressure,” Walters said. “I haven't really worried like I have as much and I think my game is in much better shape because of that. I am pretty calm out there and I thank her for that.
“Today was definitely the best round of the year by a long way. I really hit it so badly on the range this morning too, that's the funny part.
”Even little things like that don't bother me as much as they would have earlier in the year. It has been really stressful with mum being sick and I think I took it with me on the course and put too much pressure on myself. The last couple of weeks I have been out here playing for her.”
At 126th in the Race to Dubai, Justin will need to maintain his position his weekend, but he admits that his golf has become secondary in light of recent events. “It's hard for me to say that, but yes it is. It would be lovely to do that because I spent so much time away from her trying to achieve this so if I can it would be great.”