England’s Justin Rose moved to the top of the leaderboard in the 50th Volvo PGA Championship after a second round 66, six under par, over the famous West Course at Wentworth Club gave him the clubhouse lead at 11 under par 133.
Rose pulled clear of the field with seven birdies and just the one dropped shot on the par three fifth hole to lead Ryder Cup players Darren Clarke and Philip Price by two with 2002 Champion Anders Hansen, Angel Cabrera and Ian Poulter all in the clubhouse on eight under par.
“I made plenty of birdies which is nice,” said Rose. “I played the par fives well, birdied seven out of the eight par fives which keeps your score ticking along here at Wentworth.”
Welshman Price birdied each of the last five holes in a back nine of 31 for a round of 65 to lie two shots adrift of Rose on nine under par. The reigning Smurfit European Open champion said: “I felt really good in practice and last week but when I wasn’t doing well early I was a bit frustrated but the finish made me feel good.”
Clarke picked up three birdies and an eagle on his way to a five under par 67 to move to nine under par although the Ulsterman was frustrated not to birdie either of the par fives to finish. After hitting the 17th green in two, Clarke then three putted and then found the rough off the tee on the last.
