ST ANDREWS, Scotland Oct 5 (Reuters) – South African Branden Grace sprinted five shots clear of the field after the Dunhill Links Championship second round on Friday as he tried to land back-to-back wins for the second time this year.
The 24-year-old carded a five-under 67 at St Andrews, one of three courses being used at the $5 million pro-am event, to finish with a 17-under total of 127.
Swede Joel Sjoholm (67) and Dane Thorbjorn Olesen (69) shared second place on 132, one ahead of South African Anton Haig (68).
Grace recorded his maiden victory on the European Tour at the Joburg Open in January and followed up by winning the Volvo Golf Champions that also took place in his homeland.
Last week he returned to his roots on the Sunshine Tour to triumph at the Vodacom Origins of Golf event.
“That was really good for me,” Grace told reporters after picking up six birdies including a sizzling run of five in six holes from the fifth.
“To have a good week like that put some fire in my game coming here to Scotland.”
On Thursday, Grace equalled the lowest round on the European Tour when he fired a 60 at Kingsbarns.
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