Sam Horsfield’s impressive UK Swing form continued at the Celtic Classic, where he holds a one stroke lead after the second round.
The Englishman, who won his first European Tour title at the Hero Open a fortnight ago, fired a seven under 64 on the Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor Resort to move one stroke ahead of first-round leader Thomas Pieters of Belgium.
Horsfield was two under for the day standing on the ninth tee but carded four successive birdies around the turn and added two more gains on the 15th and 16th holes. He recovered from a triple bogey on the 17th with an excellent eagle on the 18th hole to sign for an 11 under par total.
Andrew Johnston was four over for his round after five holes, but made an excellent recovery as he finished his round with an eagle and three birdies on his last four holes. He has a share of third place alongside fellow Englishman Callum Shinkwin and Pieters’ countryman Thomas Detry on nine under par.
American Sean Crocker, England’s Matthew Jordan and Jake McLeod of Australia are a shot further back on eight under par.
Horsfield said: “The eagle on 18 was actually funny, as we had the exact same number into 17 at Forest of Arden when I won and hit that shot. So I hit the exact same shot and made the putt for eagle. The 17th was not great, but to bounce back after making the triple I’ve got myself in a good position for tomorrow. I’ve been in contention before, and to get it done and get it over the line. I’ve been there a few weeks ago and I know what the feelings are like. I’m really looking forward to it.”