The town that gave the movie world Donald Pleasance is set to provide another thriller in The Quinn Direct British Masters at The Belfry.
While Worksop was the birthplace of Pleasance, star of screen and stage whose famous roles include that of the villain Blofeld in the James Bond film You Only Live Twice, the English town is also famous for its two golfing sons, Mark Foster and Lee Westwood, both of whom are poised for a classic showdown over the weekend at The Quinn Direct British Masters.
Foster took the clubhouse lead of seven under par 137 after an outstanding six under par 66 in tough conditions at The Belfry where strong winds battered the Brabazon Course. Westwood is a shot behind after adding a two under par 70 to his opening 68 which put him alongside overnight leader Martin Erlandsson of Sweden, who shot a 75.
Foster and Westwood dined the previous evening, tucking into fish and chips which Foster described as more akin to a whale it was so big and both players came out flying the flag for Worksop.
Foster’s round in particular was something to behold as he defied the wind which gusted at over 30mph and fast greens to shoot six birdies and an eagle, although two three putts cost him a couple shots.
“It's very difficult,” said Foster. “The greens are key. You've got to hit it in the right position on the greens and every putt is fast two or three foot of breaks, sort of like major greens.”
Foster enjoyed a glittering amateur career, including back to back English Amateur Championship titles in 1994 and 1995, but has only one European Tour victory to date when he won the Dunhill Championship in South Africa at the start of the 2003 season after a six-man play-off. The fact he has not won since is proving a source of frustration.
“I think that's what drives me crazy, really,” he admitted. “Probably building momentum to the last day really. I don't keep mentally good enough for four rounds and I've got to learn to do that. Last week Thursday I was mentally poor and then put three good rounds. I just go in and out and am sporadic. I've got to learn to be consistent mentally.”
Westwood is benefitting from some short game tips from former European Tour player Mark Roe, now a television commentator.
“It has made a big difference,” he said. “He’s given me a short game lesson I can relate to. I’ve had lots of lessons in the past, but none I can relate to. He gave me a good lesson at The Open and then we did some good work Tuesday. He’s given me a lot more variety around the greens.
“It’s a massive breakthrough. It should make a huge difference to the scoring, about five or six shots a tournament. But it has spread through my whole game. If you have confidence getting up and down, you can be more aggressive to fire at flags and not be afraid to miss it on the shorter side.”
After his fireworks of the first day, Erlandsson struggled in the conditions to shoot a three under par 75 to lie at six under par after two rounds.
“I am hanging in there which is good, but it was very windy and tough out there,” he said.
