JB’s not having an ace time

JB HOLMES retained the lead despite missing his beloved pooch at Royal Portrush.

The American revealed he bought his pet dog Ace for £4,000 at a charity auction this year and that he has already become best friends with Holmes’ baby son Tucker. Neither has made the journey across the Atlantic with Holmes and his wife Erica this week and the world No55, who followed his overnight 66 with a 68 yesterday to share the lead with Irishman Shane Lowry, said: “I miss my son and I miss the dog too. We FaceTime Tucker and the dog is in the background – they are never too far apart. Ace hears our voice, though he doesn’t much like the phone.

“He has become a family member. You ask my 18-month-old son, who’s his best buddy.

“But we are here for a few more days and then we