Sam Torrance renewed his affinity with Club de Campo del Mediterráneo, firing a scintillating course record equalling nine under par 63 to take the second round clubhouse lead in the OKI Castellón Senior Tour Championship.
The 2002 Ryder Cup Captain posted nine birdies and just the single bogey on the 12th hole as he produced his lowest round of 2010 by two strokes to move to nine under par 135 in the European Senior Tour’s season finale.
Torrance has fond memories of Castellón, having captured the title in 2008 before sealing the Senior Tour Order of Merit at Club de Campo del Mediterráneo last year, when he finished third to snatch the John Jacobs Trophy from Ian Woosnam’s grasp.
The Scot’s is hoping for another strong finish to the campaign which began well with three top five finishes in his first four events but tailed off in the second half, leaving him currently outside the top ten in the Order of Merit in 14th position.
He is keen to maintain his sequence of winning in each of his full terms on the Senior Tour since 2004 and said he had given himself every chance of prolonging that run and capturing his 12th title overall.
“I played magnificently today – the best I have for a long time,” he said. “It really doesn’t get any better than it was out there. I played beautifully all day and only hit one bad shot.
“My all round game was superb and I don’t think I could have shot a better score. It would mean a lot to me to win again and keep the run going – I did it two years ago and I’ve given myself every chance of doing it again.
“There is something special about this place for me. I love the people, the food, the course and I’m great friends with the Garcias so I love coming here.”
Torrance is one shot clear of Englishman Nick Job who birdied the closing two holes to sign for a round of 64.
Job is also looking to finish the year on a high after a disappointing term by his own high standards, which has left him in 34th position on the Order of Merit.
He said his decision to change to a long putter – as used by his close friend Carl Mason – in August was finally starting to reap rewards on the greens.
“I played really well and I holed some long putts out there today,” said Job. “The long putter really came into its own and the greens were fantastic.
“Long may it continue. I’m starting to feel more comfortable with the long putt – it does take time and I’ve done it during the middle of the season rather than winter.
“Hopefully I can finish well tomorrow as I really need to move up the Order of Merit.”