Softly-spoken Paul Dunne made plenty of noise with an eagle mid-round to put himself well into contention heading to the weekend rounds of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
Dunne upstaged some of his more fancied opponents, including the reigning Masters, US Open and Open Champion’s, with a sizzling six under par 66 and more to a share of third place at 10-under par.
Triple Abu Dhabi winning specialist, Martin Kaymer eagled his third hole and also grabbed six back nine birdies also in a 66 to lead by a shot at 12-under from Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello who also signed for a 66 to be at 11-under par.
Kaymer lifted the gleaming Falcon trophy in 2008 and then again in 2010 and 2011, and with the recently-turned 32-year old coming off a near two-month winter break.
Paul Dunne on route to 3rd place day two 2017 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)
“After a long break when I didn’t play a tournament for seven weeks and then to come out here and shoot 12-under par after two rounds, is a brilliant start,” said the German.
“For me it’s always a nice tournament to start my season with. I’ve won here a few times in the past. It’s a good feeling with the practice that you put in over the last two months pays off right away. So far, very positive.”
It’s been all positives for Dunne with the Greystone’s golfer now in contention for a first time since his wonderful heroics at the 2015 Open Championship.
Dunne, and competing in his third event of the Tour’s 2016/17 wraparound schedule, started his second round from the long par five 10th and for a second day running walked off with a birdie.
He then holed out for birdie at the par three 15th before the shot of his round, a 243-yard 3-iron bunker shot down the 18th or the ninth of his round, and with ball stopping just three feet from the pin.
Dunne then picked off birdies at his 10th and 11th holes before the only bogey of his round at the 12th before the fifth birdie of his round at the par four sixth hole and the 15th of his round.
“My game feels in good shape as I’m hitting a lot of good iron shots and giving myself a lot of chances, so it’s exciting and I’m looking forward to a good weekend,” he said.
“This is kind of what we were thinking about over Christmas and that is would be nice to get off to a good start but that’s all it is.
“We’re only halfway there but hopefully keep doing what we’re doing and post some of the same numbers again.”
Dunne arrived in the UAE capital ranked 245th in the world but lying 42nd on the Race to Dubai money list.
Twelve months ago, Dunne headed into his first full season as a pro as the World No. 553rd ranked golfer.
“I definitely feel I’m a better player now than this time last year,” he said.
“I’m better off the tee and I’m a better iron player. If I get the ball in the fairway around this course, the way I’m hitting my irons, I’ll give myself a lot of chances and bound to take a few, like I said, with the greens being so good.
“So, if I can keep the ball in play like I have the last couple days, just give myself an iron in my hands in the short grass, I’m pretty confident.”
Overnight leader Henrik Stenson posted a 71 to be a shot behind Dunne while defending champ Rickie Fowler and reigning US Open title holder Dustin Johnson each shot 68s to be tied in 39th place at four under.
Unfortunately, Darren Clarke’s New Year Neww Year celebrations ended missing the cut with a pair of 75s and a similar effort to Rory McIloy’s showing four years ago in Abu Dhabi
