MEET THE DRIVING FORCE
Local car salesman Paul helps Lexi motor on links
SCOT Louise Duncan remains the leading amateur but it is a local car salesman stealing the show as he tries to steer Lexi Thompson to victory in the Women’s Open at Carnoustie.
Duncan, 21, struggled in the calmer day two conditions, posting a one-over 73 to drop back to three under, four adrift of the leading duo of England’s Georgia Hall (69) and American Mina Harigae (67).
After Duncan finished birdie, birdie on day one, the West Kilbride ace’s second day saw five birdies and six bogeys, again with Hall as her playing partner.
Duncan said: “The conditions were a lot different from Thursday and the game was all right with some up and downs.
“Overall I was happy with how I battled. It’s good to make the cut but we’ll see how the weekend goes, so I’ve nothing to lose now.
“It was great playing with Georgia and I couldn’t have got a better draw. She made me feel comfortable.”
Thompson, 26, shot a 70 to be in a group on five under.
The American is contesting a ninth Open but is still looking for a second Major title in 55 appearances.
If she does win after her 2014 breakthrough triumph in the ANA Inspiration, it will be with the help of Paul Drummond, a 31-year-old Carnoustie car dealer.
Drummond, who plays off plus two, works for PD Cars, a family business in Carnoustie run by his parents, two former police officers.
Business development manager
Paul caddies in his spare time and teamed up with 14-time tour winner Thompson, who arrived in Scotland without her regular caddie.
Drummond said: “I was ready to caddie if I was needed but not for a moment expecting to caddie for Lexi Thompson. The caddie master recommended me when she arrived looking for a caddie, he put me in touch with Lexi.
“She’s pretty good fun. I’m a fairly decent player myself but I’m just reading greens and yardages.
“Obviously if you’ve played here often enough, you get to know the greens like the back of your hand.” Thompson said: “Paul’s been great as he knows the course like the back of his hand and I fully trust him. “He tells me how it’s going to bounce in front of the green, how it’s going to roll up and where I should land it. I’m fully trusting him on his numbers and whether to hit it left or right of the pin – and he’s been spot on.” Leaderboard (GB & Irl unless stated, par 72) 137 G Hall 68 69, M Harigae (USA) 70 67; 138 L Salas (USA) 69 69, SY Kim (Kor) 67 71. Scots: 141 L Duncan 68 73; 145 K MacDonald 75 70 MISSED CUT 147 K Henry 71 76; 150 G Dryburgh 76 74; 153 C Matthew 78 75