HOLMES HAS ACE UP SLEEVE

JB HOLMES retained the lead despite missing his beloved pooch.

The American revealed he bought his pet dog Ace for £4,000 at a charity auction this year and he has already become best friends with Holmes’s son Tucker.

Neither have made the journey across the Atlantic with Holmes and his wife Erica this week but the world No.55, who followed his overnight 66 with a 68 yesterday, said: “I miss my son and I miss the dog. They’re never too far apart.

“He’s like a family member. You ask my 18-month-old son, who’s his best buddy. But we’re here for a few more days and then we get to go back and see him.”

The miniature Goldendoodle has already become a frequent flyer in the USA but has not yet travelled internationally.

“It’s a pain getting him through the airport but it’s worth it to be able to travel with a piece of home with you,” said Holmes (above).

“But there’s a lot of extra paperwork to go overseas. My wife usually handles all that and she has been busy.”