William Harrold Takes Second Round Lead at Slaley Hall

William Harrold will take a narrow, one-shot lead heading into the final round of the EuroPro season.

Harrold, representing Sheringham Golf Club, shot a battling two-under 70 during what was a chilling day in Northumberland.

Having started poorly with two bogeys, the 6th hole provided the perfect opportunity to bounce back in style, carding eagle to support yesterday’s impressive 68 (-4).

Jack McDonald, who was the overnight leader and led by three at one stage during the second round, succumbed to the tricky conditions and is currently occupying tied second alongside Dan Brown.

McDonald finished level-par for the day, after a disappointing conclusion to his round, recording four bogeys as the cold weather took its toll on the field.

Brown, on the other hand, will be ecstatic with his even-par round to keep him in contention for the trophy and as an additional bonus, if he can maintain this position, he will qualify for one of the five alluring Challenge Tour spots.

Three will start two-back and looking to cut the deficit early as Callum Fyfe - someone already placed in the top five prior to this week - will be looking to secure a second win of the season after another fantastic 70.

Sharing T-4th - Jamie Rutherford and Matthew Nixon - both shot one-under to keep their hopes for Challenge Tour status well and truly alive.

Callum Farr took boasting rights for round of the day after producing a splendid and inspiring 68 to be level-par for the tournament and sharing the position of T-12th with seven others.

Mitch Waite, current Order of Merit leader and guaranteed Challenge Tour status for next year, threatened to match Farr’s score of 68, but dropping two shots at the final hole will undoubtedly leave a sour taste in the Bristolian’s mouth.

His ball hit the cart path before devastatingly entering the water, forcing the golfer to take a penalty stroke.

Slaley Hall has been a worthy test for this crop of talented players and with only 16 under-par for the second round - in addition to 11 for both rounds - the host venue has certainly justified its reputation of being a difficult yet characterful course. 

As it stands, Mitchell Waite remains at the top of the Order of Merit while tournament leader William Harrold lines up in second place.

Callum Fyfe, who was third in the OoM prior to this week, remains in that position after his two outings of 70 places him at T4 for the week.

Dan Brown is fourth in the end of season rankings list and currently occupying the final spot is John Parry, with Will Enefer being nudged outside the top five.

While the importance of a top five seasonal finish is evident, it isn’t only those occupying these positions who will be granted Challenge Tour status.

The next five places in the OoM - to the limit of 15th position - will be issued category 20 status and therefore, opportunity to compete at the next level.

The Tour Championship and the EuroPro Tour season concludes on Friday the 22nd of October, follow Golfshake for all the latest developments regarding the final day.