CASTLE STUART – World No. 1 Luke Donald put himself back into winning contention after shooting a flawless second round 68 Friday to be just three shots back in the defense of his Scottish Open title. Donald birdied his second and third holes and then, after 13 straight pars, birdied his closing two holes to move to nine-under par, trailing Italy's Francesco Molinari (70) and Sweden's Alex Noren (66) who head the event on 12-under. Donald has burst back into winning form in his first event since missing the halfway cut with a shock 11-over in last month's US Open. “It was a nice way to finish with a couple of birdies and that puts me only three back,” said Donald. Donald will be seeking to win his second European Tour event in three tournaments and also become the first player to retain the Scottish Open. Noren, who celebrated his 30th birthday Thursday, is on target to secure one of the two remaining spots into next week's British Open. The leading player within the top-five finishes – and not already exempt – in both the Scottish Open and the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic this week, will earn entry into golf's oldest Major. However Noren's goal of contesting a fourth British Open is under threat by Argentina'a Ricardo Gonzalez and Italian teenager Matteo Manassero who both shot 64s to be tied in third place at 11-under. They are also hoping to get into the British Open. India's SSP Chowrasia (67), who is in fourth place on 10-under par, is also seeking to qualify. Sharing sixth place on nine-under par with Donald is 2009 Scottish Open winner, Martin Kaymer of Germany. He birdied five of his opening seven holes in an eventual round of 68. Phil Mickelson posted the equal lowest round of the day, an eight-under par 64, to move to seven under par and also return to form after missing the cut in both the US Open and last week's Greenbrier Classic. The triple Major winning pair of Padraig Harrington (69) and Ernie Els (70) finished a respective six-under par and four under par.
Stricker on track American Steve Stricker made a solid start in his quest for a fourth consecutive John Deere Classic title but compatriot Troy Matteson stole the limelight with a blistering 10-under 61 at Silvis, Illinois, Thursday. Matteson attacked TPC Deer Run with 10 birdies in a flawless opening round, taking a three-shot lead over Ricky Barnes (64) as he looks to add a third PGA title to his resume. “It was a pretty special day,” Matteson said. “I've been playing pretty well, just not making a lot putts. “I made a couple putts that were really, really difficult, and I had a bunch of other really, really good looks. I didn't think it was going to be 10-under, but definitely thought it was going to be good.” Stricker, who is looking to become just the fifth men's player to win the same tournament in four consecutive years, joined six others in a tie for third after a back nine blitz helped him to a six-under 65. After an even par front nine with one birdie and one bogey leaving him well off the pace, Stricker powered home with four birdies and an 80-yard hole out for eagle. “It was a slow start, really a little bit out of sorts to start with,” Stricker said. “I hit some shots that I haven't been hitting. Just a little unsettled I guess you would say. Then I just had a really good back side.” Young Tom Morris, Walter Hagan, Gene Sarazen and Tiger Woods sit in the exclusive club of men to win a tournament in four consecutive years and Stricker said the chance to join them was on his mind. — Agencies
