WARREN’S DROUGHT FOR GLORY
Marc still on course to end six-year title wait
MARC WARREN continues to carry his own clubs as the Scot looks to end a six-year winless drought in the Austrian Open.
The 39-year-old grabbed four birdies in a second round five-under 67 for a share of second place at nine-under par in the joint European and Challenge Tour event.
The Glaswegian, among a number of players without caddies under a Covid-19 Tour ruling, heads to the weekend rounds in his first competitive event in five months with fellow Scot Craig Howie (69), Dutchman Joost Luiten (70), Italian Renato Paratore (67) and Germany’s Nicolai von Dellingshausen all at nineunder and chasing Miguel Angel Jimenez.
The evergreen Spaniard, 56, leads the way by two shots at 11-under par with scores of 68 and 65.
Warren hasn’t tasted success since capturing a third Tour title at the 2014 Made in Denmark. That win sent him to a career high of 64th on the world rankings – but he’s since slid to 1,258th.
He admitted not having someone else to lean on – or even point the finger at – has been a challenging experience.
But Warren reckons it’s made him appreciate the work of his bag man even more.
He said: “The course was calm and you could make a few birdies early on so overall, it was a pretty solid day, nothing overly spectacular but pleased with a solid round again.
“So, with no caddie this week there’s no one to moan at if you get a club wrong!
“It’s trying to keep on top of the other stuff, making sure there’s water in the bag – especially in conditions like today – which I’ve been taking for granted over the last 15 or so years.
“Next time I’ve got a caddie on the bag I might go a little easier on him.”
Elsewhere, former Scottish Amateur champ Howie continues to impress in birdieing four of his opening six holes.
And while he posted last 12 holes, the 25-year capped his round with an eagle at the par-5 16th.
He said: “I have zero expectations this week, I still do. My game isn’t amazing
“It’s not as sharp as I’d hope to be expected but then I’m putting the ball really well.
“So, we’re doing well and it must have something to do with doing quarantine right in Scotland.”
The other Scots in action were Connor Syme, who sits tied for eighth after a second round 70 followed and opening 67, and Craig Ross who is further back on four under after yesterday’s 70.
Scott Henry scraped through but Chris Robb and Ewen Ferguson missed the cut.