Welshman Jamie Donaldson and Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher continue to strengthen their claims for Ryder Cup selection with strong showings after the second round of the D+D REAL Czech Masters.
Donaldson can seal a maiden European Team cap with a top-seven finish in Prague while Gallacher is just outside the automatic top-nine qualifiers.
However Donaldson, who started the day with a one shot lead following an opening six under par 66, was left ruiing bogeying two of his last three holes and settle for a 69 and nine under halfway total.
Currently fourth in the world points list, Donaldson can secure fourth place in the European list by earning €30,000 this week.
Jamie Donaldson (WAL) has to dig deep to maintain the lead as many others chase him to the wire during Round Two of the D&D Real Czech Masters 2014 from the Albatross Golf Resort, Vysoky Ujezd, Prague. Picture: David Lloyd / www.golffile.ie
Having turned in a one under 35, Donaldson birdied four of his next six – a tee shot to six feet at the third and long putt from off the fourth green the highlights.
At nine under Donaldson led by one from France’s Gregory Bourdy, who went round in 67, with English pair Tommy Fleetwood and Lee Slattery and Donaldson’s playing partner and fellow Ryder Cup hopeful Gallacher tied for third on seven under.
“I played nicely again and made a lot of birdies out there today, but a few bogeys so if I can go out there tomorrow and play as well as I’ve played over the last couple of days I’ll be in a strong position going into the final round,” said Donaldson.
“Overall it was a solid day but like I said it could have been very good out there.
“I won’t dwell on the poor shots; I played two pitches at seven and eight and misjudged them both so one’s come out hot and one’s come out dead. That slowed the run down, up until that point I was really motoring.
“It’s a great golf course, it’s generous off the tee and you’re setting yourself up for birdies on a regular basis so it’s more of the same and go and attack at the weekend.
“I’m playing good stuff, today it was a really low one early doors and then the wind picked up a little but it was there for the taking so we’ll see how it pans out weather-wise and try and take the opportunities when they come.”
Stephen Gallacher (SCO) just two shots behind Jamie Donaldson (WAL) after Round Two of the D&D Real Czech Masters 2014 from the Albatross Golf Resort, Vysoky Ujezd, Prague. Picture: David Lloyd / www.golffile.ie
Scot Gallacher, who is lives the closest to Gleneagles than any of those trying to qualify for the team is currently just outside the nine automatic qualifying places for Gleneagles with only this event and next week’s Italian Open left to force his way in, looked to be drifting out of contention at one over for the day through eight holes.
But five straight birdies from the 18th – including a brilliant tee shot at the third – and a further gain at the seventh saw the Dubai Desert Classic winner storm home in 31 for a 67.
It has been a welcome return to form for Gallacher who missed the cut in the PGA Championship and then also only played two rounds of last week’s Wyndham Championship to also miss out on securing his PGA Tour card for the 2014/15 season.
