Trevor Immelman turned back the clock and fired a second round 64 to tie for the leading South African at the Scottish Open on Friday, writes WADE PRETORIUS.
At the halfway stage, seven Saffas including Ernie Els, George Coetzee and last week’s contender Erik van Rooyen, were sent packing, but not Immelman.
The 38-year-old, who won the 2008 Masters for his lone Major triumph, finds himself five off the pace after a 64 at Gullane Golf Club.
‘I’m just going to go enjoy this 64. It’s the best round I’ve shot in a long time,’ he said, playing down any talk of a massive upturn in his on-course hopes.
Immelman eagled the 2nd and turned four under par after gains at the 6th and 7th before another two in a row at the 11th and 12th. His lone blemish was a five at the next but he showed true character with an immediate birdie before closing with a string of pars to sit inside the top 10.
The South African, who regularly appears on the PGA Tour’s broadcasts albeit from the commentary booth, has not played in a Major outside of The Masters since 2012 but could tee it up next week at Carnoustie should he claim one of the three spots on offer come Sunday.
Joining Immelman at -8 was Dylan Frittelli, who, like his elder countryman, also enjoyed a solid day with just a single bogey; his first of the championship.
Brandon Stone’s world ranking has dropped 180 places since the start of the year after missing as many as nine cuts. Stone, who has the SA Open as well as the Alfred Dunhill Championship in his trophy room already, matched Immelman’s 64 and sits in a share of 26th place after his opening 70.
Three South Africans are a shot behind Stone at -5.
Photo: Harry How/Getty Images
