Oliver Wilson set about ending a horror 2011 season to put himself again in contention for a first-ever Race to Dubai success in the Open de Andalucia Costa del Sol.
Wilson recorded six birdies in a round of a five under par 67 for a six under par tally on the Aloha Golf Club course near Marbella.
The English golfer, who is competing thanks to an invitation, shared second place with Italy’s Edoardo Molinari (65) and Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin (68) as the afternoon half of the field took to the course.
Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal delighted local fans to grab a one stroke with a three under par 69 and move to seven under par with a round that included four birdies in a row from his fifth hole.
Pablo Larrazabal on route to a 69 on day two of the Andalucian Open. (Photo - Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)
Larrazal has won twice on the Race to Dubai Tour in France and Germany but it yet to taste success in his homeland.
Wilson, who shares second place with Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin (68), competed in the hopelessly captained 2008 European Ryder Cup team and highlighted his appearance by teaming with Sweden’s Henrik Stenson to come from behind and defeat Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim in the Saturday Foursomes.
But the past two seasons have been difficult for Wilson who lost his European Tour card in finishing 130th on the 2011 Race to Dubai money list.
He deveoped a stomach parasite resulting from drinking contaminated water while contesting the Volvo Champions event in Bahrain, and that led to him also suffering stomach ulcers.
Wilson purposely elected not to attend the Tour’s Qualifying School at the end of last year and instead began working with a fitness trainer.
“It’s just nice to be back in contention and prove myself and others that I can still play,” he said.
“I feel more equipped now in golf than I’ve ever been in my life.
“My health problems started in Bahrain, stomach problems, but I went on playing because I needed to, and it took its toll.
“So if it ever happens again, I will know just to take time and get sorted.
“I also know that not going to Q School was the right decision. I just have to deal with the position I’m in now, asking for invites.
“Miguel has been fantastic to give me an invite and I have two for the next couple of weeks.
“It means a lot to know that Miguel will look after me.After Andalucía, Morocco and Sicily, and then I’ve got a couple in Asia.”
Wilson is competing on the Aloha course for a first time and his 36-hole effort already makes ammends for missing the cut in his debut last year in the tournament.
Jacquelin produced a round of four birdies, including three in succession from hhis 14th hole, and no bogeys.
The Frenchman was fourth in the event last year at Malaga with four rounds in the 60s.
“I didn’t hit the ball so well today but I holed some good putts,” said Jacquelin.
“I made three birdies in a row from 5 to 7 and no bogeys and that’s the key not to make big mistakes, which I owe to my 15 years experience on Tour.
“That’s why I managed to score quite well today.
“My confidence is not 100%, but that’s golf. Anyhow, I’m working hard on my swing and I’m going to try my best.”
Former Masters winner, Mike Weir was pleased in recording a 73 to finish at three-under par.
It is the first occasion this year the Canadian will play all four rounds this season and coincides with his first event as a full European Tour member.
Also, it is the first occasion Weir has competed in Spain since capturing the 2000 WGC – Amex Championship at nearby Valderrama.
