Oliver Gillberg and Alex Goff share a one stroke lead after the second round of DP World Tour Final Stage Qualifying School at INFINITUM.
Sweden’s Gillberg carded a bogey-free five under par 66 on the Lakes Course, with Goff signing for a four under par 67 on the same course as both players reached 11 under par for the week. The duo lead by one from Italian Gregorio de Leo, South African Zander Lombard, Zimbabwe’s Benjamin Follett-Smith and Englishman Matthew Baldwin.
Gillberg, starting on the tenth, made the turn two under par before adding three gains in a four-hole stretch from the third to set the pace on day two.
The 29-year-old won Second Stage last week, and after dreaming of having DP World Tour playing privileges for several years, is hoping to continue his good form for the remainder of the week.
“I just tried to focus on the golf shots and the feelings in the swing like yesterday and last week, so I'm happy that the result followed,” he said.
“I've been thinking about a DP World Tour card for 18 years, so it would be weird if I didn't right now. I just want to do my best to focus on the thing I can do, and try to enjoy it and play good golf.
“Everyone knows the consequences, but I’ll try to put that to one side. It’ll be the same tomorrow. I’ll show up and just play as a good as I can.”
Goff parred his way to the turn on day two, before firing four birdies in his next five holes. A bogey on the 15th was cancelled out by a closing birdie on the 18th as he joined Gillberg at the top.
The 25-year-old came through First Stage and Second Stage to make sure of his place in the field in Tarragona, and he’s enjoying the experience of playing in Europe for the first time in his career.
“I made the decision this summer to come to Q-School, so I've been through all three stages,” he said. “It's been quite the journey, but it's been awesome and I've really enjoyed my time over here.
“I was proud of how I hung in there today without necessarily hitting it my best. I saw something other than a par on the tenth and it changed my headspace a little bit and jump-started my round.
“I would have taken this in a heartbeat before the tournament started. It's nice to get off to a good start, especially as long as the week is. I’ve just got to keep my head down and keep moving forward.
“I’ve got to keep my foot on the gas, one shot at a time, and play golf the way I know I can play it.”
Daan Huizing from the Netherlands posted the low round of the day with a seven under par 65 on the Hills Course seeing him move into a share of seventh alongside Brazilian Frederico Biondi Figueiredo on nine under par.
The third of six rounds at INFINITUM gets under way tomorrow at 9:00am local time, with Gillberg and Goff teeing off alongside Baldwin at 11:12am on the Hills Course.
