David Law, winner of the title as an amateur two years ago, came storming home in six-under-par 29 for the second day in a row to surge three strokes clear at the halfway stage of the Northern Open, sponsored by AVC Media, at Meldrum House Golf Club.
With rounds of 63 and 65 over the par-70 course, the 22-year-old former Scottish amateur kingpin, who plays out of the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre, is on 12 under par.
Late finisher Law dislodged overnight leader and fellow Aberdonian Scott Henderson who, despite a return of his putting problems, had led for several hours on nine-under following a 69.
“It was slightly more difficult today.
“There was a one-club wind on certain parts of the course that made it tricky and explains why the overall scoring was not quite as good as on Tuesday,” said Law, who has two or three wins under his belt as a professional, but not in the United Kingdom.
“I led the Northern Open by two shots after three rounds when I won the title in 2011. To lead by three after two rounds is fine but it won’t make any difference to my game plan. I still have to go for the birdies.”
Henderson, winner of the Northern Open in 1996, lost the putting touch he thought he had found in the first round. He missed some three or four-footers early on, which did not do his confidence any good, and he three-putted three times later on.
Sharing third place at halfway on 133 are defending champion James Byrne (Banchory) and Panmure’s Andrew Crerar.