Darren Clarke has taken a one stroke lead as he nears the conclusion of his second round at the Shell Houston Open in Texas.
Starting on the back nine, the Ulsterman has moved to 8-under par after 15 holes at The Woodlands with six birdies helping him to a five-under score for the day.
Coupled with the impressive 69 he shot yesterday, today’s efforts have taken Clarke clear of the chasing pack as he heads for the clubhouse.
Overnight leader Jim Carter (-7) has yet to get his second round underway.
Clarke’s performance will be a welcome boost as he prepares for the US Masters next month. The Dungannon golfer suffered the embarrassment of missing the cut at last week’s Players Championship at Sawgrass and has struggled to string two good rounds together so far this season.
However, given the form he has displayed over the first two days around The Woodlands course, Clarke will be hopeful of landing his first ever PGA Tour title.
Scott Verplank is one of the main threats to Clarke’s title ambitions at this stage, the American moving to seven-under through 12 holes. Geoff Ogily and Jay Haas are also hot on the heels of the Irishman.