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Haig equals course record for clubhouse lead

South African Anton Haig equalled Greg Norman's long-standing course record with an eight-under-par 64 to take the clubhouse lead at the halfway stage of the Johnnie Walker Classic on Friday.

The 20-year-old Haig, who claimed a maiden victory on the Asian Tour last season, rattled in an eagle and seven birdies at the magnificent Blue Canyon Country Club for a two-day total of nine-under-par 135.

Australian James Nitties added a 67 to his opening 69 to trail one shot behind while Thai star Thongchai Jaidee moved into contention with a 68, thanks to an eagle on his last hole, for a 139 total.

Last year's UBS Order of Merit winner Jeev Milkha Singh overcame a mid-round blip where he dropped five shots over two holes to shoot a 72 to move alongside Thongchai, four shots off the early pace.

The big-hitting Haig has been hailed as a rising star in South Africa and he underlined his growing prospects with a wonderful ball-striking display. "I've been practising hard this year and working a bit on the golf swing, and my coach has really helped me back in South Africa. I really have been working hard, and it's about time that it's shown on the golf course," he said.

The strapping Haig, who won the Pulai Spring Malaysian Masters, enjoyed a practice round with Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, both Major champions, earlier in the week and was delighted to take the shine off his more famous compatriots so far.

"What an experience, I had never played with them are before," said Haig. "As a youngster growing up, watching Ernie and Retief, awesome players, great golf swings, and their composure on the golf course is awesome to watch. It's just a privilege to even be playing in a tournament with them.

"I've gotten to know Ernie quite well in these past couple of weeks. Yeah, I can go up to ask and him a few things (tips). I imagine he might come up to me this week and ask me a few things!"

Thongchai rifled a three iron into the wind at his last hole, the par five ninth, to eight feet for an eagle, which lifted him into contention in the prestigious Johnnie Walker Classic, tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia.

Winner of the Volvo Masters of Asia on home soil last December, the two-time Asian number one was delighted with his effort. "I'm very happy. I hit it very good today and my irons have been good for two rounds. I had a good one on the ninth, it was a good way to finish," he said.

No Asian has won the Johnnie Walker Classic since its inception in 1990 and Thongchai was hopeful that either he or Singh could maintain the title charge in the weekend.

A week's rest at home last week has recharged Thongchai's batteries after a gruelling six weeks on the road and he's feeling confident. "I don't feel tired, I'm good now. I've got another two rounds to go. I'm striking the ball well, just a couple of shots that I pulled but generally good."

March 2, 2007