Lee Westwood was in ominous form as he surged into contention at the 2021 abrdn Scottish Open following a brilliant eagle-birdie-birdie finish to his second round in North Berwick.
The 2020 Race to Dubai champion traded back to back birdies at the sixth and seventh with successive bogeys from the tenth but was two feet away from a stunning albatross at the 16th before continuing his momentum with gains at the final two holes.
That left the two time Rolex Series winner one shot adrift of midway leaders Jon Rahm, Thomas Detry and Jack Senior on ten under par and the 48-year-old will be a major threat having previously posted low scores at The Renaissance Club.
Westwood, with 25 European Tour wins to his name, hit a nine under 62 in the first round at this venue last October before finishing in 19th place and a similar performance over the weekend would almost certainly add to his impressive victory tally.
And he was proud of his composed display during a tough stretch to begin his back nine where he also salvaged pars at the 12th and 13th which could have derailed his round had he dropped shots.
"Bogeying them two holes (12th and 13th) - I was playing pretty solid - it would have been a kick in the teeth," he said.
"You've got the whole of Scotland right on that flag on 12 and I hit it left so I gave myself a bit of a talking to when walking up there. They're the kind of putts you need for momentum and it turned the tide.
"I felt like I was playing well out there and then stood on the 16th tee, I'm even par for the round and looking at the leaderboard and it doesn't seem that good.
"I felt like I was moving backwards so I'm pleased I was patient for most of the day and patience was rewarded.
"I hit a big one down 16 and a nice four iron from 246 yards or something like that and landed in the right place and rolled out stone dead.
"It's always nice to walk up there for a tap in for eagle and it gave me a bit of momentum for the last two holes and hit some nice shots. That will make dinner taste sweet tonight!"
Westwood is playing some of the best golf of his career and he explained that having son Sam or wife Helen on the bag and his love for the sport is making the game more enjoyable as he aims to create lifelong experiences with loved ones.
"I'm enjoying it. I get to get up every day and do something I love," Westwood added. "My swing feels in a good place, you've seen how I'm putting, I'm rolling in my fair share.
"When that happens, I feel like I'm still a good enough player to contend and it's even better with Sam on the bag, and Helen when she caddies.
"Yeah, really special. He tries to do it whenever he can and he caddied for me at The Masters this year and if I get in the Ryder Cup team he is coming to caddie so it's a great father-son bonding experience, not that we aren't already close but it's nice to do what I love with him right next to me."
