Oliver Wilson has boosted hopes of a first ever European Tour success by adding more bite to his Sabertooth putter.
Wilson went into the second round of the Madeira Islands Open buoyed after not dropping a shot on day one in carding a six under par 66 to be among six players tied in second place.
Oliver Wilson uses his Odyssey 'Sabertooth' putter to shoot a 66 in Madeira. (Photo - Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)
Spain’s Alvaro Velasco climbed to the top of the leader board by two strokes after posting an eight under par on the mountainous Santo da Serra course.
Wilson spent last week with putting coach, Paul Harrion who Ireland’s Padraig Harrington attributed as being pivotal in capturing his three Major Championship titles.
And while working with Harrion, the loft of Wilson’s Odyssey Sabertooth putter was decreased.
It proved instant dividends with Wilson recording just 28 putts on day one of the Portuguese event.
“I just had too much loft on my Odyssey putter so we decreased the loft as I found I was leaning forward too much on it, so now it is much squarer,” said Wilson.
“So it was nice to see those birdie putts drop as I have been playing great the last five to six weeks.”
The Callaway supported Wilson, apart from seeking victory in Madeira, has set his sights on contesting next fortnight’s flagship BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
Four years ago Wilson lost out in a play-off over the famed ‘Burma Road’ West Course to Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez.
It was one of nine second place finishes Wilson has recorded in his European Tour career and there is nothing Wilson, who lost his Tour card, would like better than to tee up in leafy Surrey.
“I lost in a play-off to Miguel Angel Jimenez and I would dearly love to be playing next fortnight,” said Wilson.
“My category means that I do not qualify so I have asked for an invitation but then if I win this week I’m into the field and that would be great.”
“I lost in a play-off to Miguel Angel Jimenez and I would dearly love to be playing next fortnight,” said Wilson.
“My category means that I do not qualify so I have asked for an invitation but then if I win this week I’m into the field and that would be great.”
