Crocker rocks RAK with record
American shares lead with Arnaus in Challenge Tour finale
American Sean Crocker shot a spellbinding joint course record 64 which left him in a share of first place with Spaniard Adria Arnaus on the second day of the seasonending Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final.
After making the turn in 31 with five birdies and one bogey, the American carded a three under par back nine, which included an impressive eagle on the last to leave him on eight under par after two rounds at Al Hamra Golf Club.
The 22-year-old further strengthens his chances of securing one of 15 European Tour cards for next season after coming into the tournament in 14th place on the Road to Ras Al Khaimah.
“My confidence has been high going into this week but there are also a lot of nerves because I’m right on the bubble,” said Crocker, who made the cut at this year’s Open Championship. “After my first round I put a bit of pressure on myself because the boys below me were playing well but my game is good so I just have to go out and play this week because everybody here is ■ an amazing player. I’ve just got to play game, swing freely and not put too much pressure on myself this weekend.”
Arnaus gave himself a chance of getting his hands on European Challenge Tour silverware for the first time after shooting 69 in the northern emirate to leave him tied with Crocker at the top.
“I’ve played some solid golf and it’s been a lot of fun out there,” said Arnaus, who has four top five-finishes to his name this season. “I’ve put myself in a nice position heading into the final days so I need to keep it up. Conditions were a bit tougher out there today than yesterday, the wind started to pick up, which definitely made it more tricky and made me change some of my decisions out on the course but it was still scoreable.
“It would be really special for me to end the season with a win but I’m trying not to focus on that and just keep doing the things that I’m doing.”
Meanwhile, Portuguese JoseFilipe Lima occupies third place with Frenchman Victor Perez, just one shot behind the leaders. Lima currently sits in 33rd place in the Rankings but a win in the northern emirate would guarantee his European Tour playing privileges for next season.