Clarke powers clear
Darren Clarke will take a six-shot lead into the third round of the MCI Heritage in South Carolina after two successive six-under-par 65s put him clear of the chasing pack.
The Northern Irishman began day two in third, three behind Australian Peter Lonard, but a flawless round of six birdies put him into a comfortable lead at the Harbour Town Golf Links.
“I’ve played nicely for two days and knocked a few putts in whenever I have had to and I am pleased to be 12 under,” said Clarke.
“I worked really hard on my swing on Sunday (the final day of the Masters) and got a good feeling there, and so far it appears to be working well.
“I just hope I can keep doing it over the weekend.”
Starting at the 10th he played his first five holes in regulation but then picked up three birdies in four holes to reach the turn in 32.
The 571-yard 15th signalled the start of his change in fortune and he maintained his charge on his back nine.
The par-four first brought another birdie after a marvellous pitch to three inches and he picked up another shot at the next, the first of two par-fives on the course’s front nine.
At the fifth Clarke was just short of the green in two but two-putted from the fringe for another birdie and escaped with a par four at his last, the 332-yard ninth, after flying the green but getting up and down from the rough.
On his philosophy for the weekend the Ryder Cup star said: “Just keep going, doing what I am doing and trying to make as many birdies as I can.”
Clarke leads from Lonard, who unlike on Thursday had more bogeys than birdies in a round of 74 which dropped him back to six under, and Patrick Sheehan.
Ryder Cup team-mate Thomas Levet also shot a three-over 74 but still managed to stay in touch in fourth place at four under.
Clarke’s playing partner Jose Maria Olazabal and Open champion Todd Hamilton are in a group on two under while England Greg Owen and David Howell are at level par and one over respectively.
Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter were both three over and will be back for the weekend with Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell and Justin Rose at four over.
England’s Brian Davis also just sneaked inside the cut even though a second-round 76 left him five over.
