Conor Purcell was pleased with how he putted as he maintained his charge at the Bain’s Whiskey Cape Town Open.
Purcell held key momentum putts to card a second round of 69 to remain one shot off the pace on eight-under-par in tricky conditions.
After an early bogey on the third, the Portmarnock man rolled in an eagle putt on the par-5 fifth before birdies on the par fives 7 and 11 propelled him back into the mix.
A bogey on 14 was followed by his fourth birdie on a par five at the sixteenth as he climbed into a share of eighth-place with a seven-way tie for the lead above him on nine-under.
“It was a little bit scrappier than yesterday,” said the 26-year-old. “The back nine which is the score able nine I didn’t keep myself in position off the tee but made a few key up and downs so I can’t complain with eight-under after two rounds.
“I’m putting well and holing out nicely, those momentum putts around the turn, putts for par when you need them so I just need to clean up a few tee shots and I’ll be good.”
Making his first competitive start since November, Purcell has been happy with his performance so far and feels if he can double his score over the weekend, he won’t be too far away from a maiden Challenge Tour victory.
“It’s very pleasing, long way to go but yeah, encouraging signs after the first two rounds. See what I can do for the weekend.
“The wind is set to blow over the weekend so the course will get quite difficult so it’s hard to know but if I can double my score any week I’ll be in a great position.”
Despite an improved round of 70 Mark Power looks set to miss the cut by the minimum on two-under-par while Dermot McElroy is a shot further back.
Jonathan Caldwell and Gary Hurley will also exit at the halfway stage.
Scoring HERE
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