By Ken Borland
GEORGE, South Africa Jan 20 (Reuters) – South African
Branden Grace stormed into a four-shot lead after the Volvo Golf
Champions second round on Friday to boost his chances of
recording back-to-back European Tour victories.
Grace fired a seven-under 66 for a 12-under total of 134,
four ahead of fellow countryman Thomas Aiken (70) and Briton Lee
Slattery (65). Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal (68),
seeking his first win for seven years, was fourth on 139.
The 35-strong field at Fancourt features last season’s
European Tour winners plus active golfers who are under 50 and
have at least 10 career victories.
Olazabal almost won a car when he lipped out for a
hole-in-one at the short 17th but the 45-year-old, who is down
at 596th in the world rankings, was nevertheless pleased to show
the sort of form that won him two U.S. Masters in his heyday.
“The last couple of years I’ve played pretty poorly so
improving on that was not all that difficult,” the Spaniard told
reporters.
Grace, 23, said last week’s Joburg Open triumph had given
him “a real calm” on the course.
“It’s great to keep the nerves down and just go out there
and play golf,” he said. “I’ve changed my routines a bit, I’m
taking my time, sticking to what club I’m going to hit and
keeping things as simple as possible.
“I’m just sticking to my game plan and minding my own
business.”
Continued…
