2008 European Father & Son Championship - Round 2: Hamiltons consolidate lead over tight chasing pack

Martin and Connor Hamilton put together an excellent second round of 40 points on the South Course to stretch their lead to five points going into the final day's play.

It is never easy to follow an outstanding score with another the next day, particularly on a course neither had played before, but they 'ham and egged' their way round, including an eagle two for Connor on the par 4 12th, where he holed his approach. They stand on a remarkable 85 point total and in their current form are clear favourites to lift the trophy on Saturday evening.

After an unpromising start, with drizzle and a chill in the air, the weather conditions improved by mid-morning and the umbrellas and raingear gave way to occasional sunshine and plenty of shirtsleeves.

The best score of the day was however brought home by early starters Andy and Thomas Tremlett with 43 points, which has hoisted them into tied second place, thanks to some outstading play from son Thomas. "I didn't score any points at the first, but then I was two under after nine," he said, adding. "I was just one over par gross for the last 17 holes." Father Andy was able to enjoy a quite day taking in the scenery: "I just came in when I was needed," he said afterwards.

Two teams piled up 42 points round the South Course, the Levers and the Doleys, giving them a share of second, while the Paul and Philip Trow were left wondering what might have been after a round of 41 points. "We had five birdies on the back nine, but we missed six putts of ten feet or less today. Otherwise we could be leader overall," said son Philip, professional at Hendon Golf Club in North London.

The South Course was much appreciated for its scenic beauty and the very different challenge it presents compared to the North. Many competitors actually found it harder than the 'championship' North layout, with its big elevations changes and abundance of trees. "We played well, but we just couldn't make anything happen. Some of the pin positons were wild - I just had to lag," said Greg Bailie (5 handicap) from Lisburn Golf Club in Northern Ireland, after he and 12 year old son Mark (24 handicap) brought back 37 points for the second day in a row.

John and Richie Mansell had a slightly better day with a tally of 31 points, although once again they couldn't quite agree on how they did it. "I managed to come in on four holes today," said father John. "At least Dad scored on two holes today," said Richie, out of father's earshot...

With only seven points separating the top six teams, the last day may yet hold some surprises.

Leading second round scores (Click here for full second round leaderboard):

1 Martin and Connor HAMILTON 45 40 85
2 Andy and Thomas TREMLETT 37 43 80
2 Brian and Christian LEVER 38 42 80
2 Robert and Callum DOLEY 38 42 80
5 Paul and Lance ROUND 41 38 79
6 Paul and Philip TROW 37 41 78
7 Richard and Lee INMAN 38 37 75
7 Aland and Gregory COOK 39 36 75
9 Tomas and Peter VECERA 34 40 74
9 Phil and Ben TAYLOR 36 38 74
9 Max and Miles TAYLOR 36 38 74
9 Robert and George MACKAY 36 38 74
9 Paul WILLIAMS and Oliver BOOT 37 37 74
9 Greg and Mark BAILIE 37 37 74
15 Steven and Dominic CAVELL 35 37 72
15 George CARDWELL and Peter DUNN 35 37 72

Click here for pictures of the second day's play

October 31, 2008