Paul Waring sets a course record at the Abu Dhabi Championship with an incredible 11-under-par 61, giving him a five-shot lead after the second round. The 39-year-old’s career-best round included nine birdies and an eagle, placing him in a strong position to contend for the title.
Waring Sets Course Record to Take Lead in Abu Dhabi Championship
In an impressive display, England’s Paul Waring set a course record with an 11-under-par 61 to lead the Abu Dhabi Championship by five shots after the second round. The 39-year-old’s lowest career round to date was fueled by nine birdies and an eagle, propelling him to 19 under par.
Waring’s Record-Breaking Round
Waring’s stellar performance included a spectacular shot from 265 yards to within three feet of the pin on the par-five 18th hole, despite a challenging drive. Reflecting on the shot, Waring said, “That was the best shot I’ve ever hit in my life to be honest.”
Following him on the leaderboard are notable contenders: American Johannes Veerman, England’s Tommy Fleetwood, and Danish golfers Thorbjorn Olesen and Niklas Norgaard Moller, all tied at 14 under. Fleetwood had equaled the course record in the first round with a 63 but added a round of 68 on Friday.
Chasing the Leader: Strong Performances and Challenges
English golfers Laurie Canter, Tyrrell Hatton, and Matt Wallace, along with France’s Ugo Coussaud, are in a group tied at 12 under, seven shots behind Waring. Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre stands at 11 under after two rounds, while Rory McIlroy remains nine shots back after carding a second consecutive 67, marred by a triple bogey on the 17th.
McIlroy, the four-time major champion, has his sights set on winning his sixth Race to Dubai title. To achieve this, he must finish in the top two at Yas Links before next week’s European Tour season finale in Dubai. Speaking about his approach, McIlroy said, “I need the golf course to toughen up a little bit to have a chance. There are so many gettable holes out there.”
What’s Next in the Abu Dhabi Championship
As the championship progresses, Waring’s strong start sets the stage for an intense battle with other top players. With course conditions favoring low scores, players will need to maintain focus and capitalize on scoring opportunities in the rounds to come.
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