DJ’S in mix with hot 66 over St Andrews
DAVID J RUSSELL put himself in the mix in the SSE Scottish Senior Open at the Fairmont St Andrews yesterday with a second-round 66.
Russell — known as DJ — was on song with a spectacular finish to close to within three shots of leader Anders Forsbrand of Sweden.
Forsband also took route 66 into pole position at 12-under-par, but it was 58-year-old Russell, from Birmingham, who stole the show when he followed a birdie at the 17th with an eagle three.
Russell let slip a glorious chance to win the £250,000 event two years ago when he shared the lead going into the back nine — but dropped six shots to finish fourth.
He said: ‘I should have won here in 2010 but made a mess of the finish. Hopefully, I’ll put it right this week.
‘The 17th is one of the toughest and best holes in golf, so I have to feel very pleased with the way I played it and, after winning the British Par 3 Championship at Nailcote Park last week, it’s reassuring to know I’m playing well.’
Russell will win £37,285 if his hot streak continues and he emerges triumphant at the home of golf.
Forsbrand, a six-time European Tour winner, said: ‘Whenever you are 12-under it feels good, but today was much harder as the wind really picked up on the back nine.
‘It would be great to win again. Last year was brutal for me the way I played in my first season on the Senior Tour — but I have gradually played better and better this year.’
England’s Philip Golding, who made his over-50s debut in last month’s Senior Open at Turnberry, posted the lowest round of the day, a course-record 64, to move into third spot.
Defending champion Barry Lane recovered from an opening 74 to post nine shots fewer. Edinburgh’s Andrew Oldcorn is the leading Scot in a tie for 13th place at four-under following a 73.