ECRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — England’s Matt Wallace shot an 8-under 62 and was bogey-free after 36 holes to take a four-stroke lead at the European Masters on Friday.
The 91st-ranked Wallace, who won the last of his four European Tour titles six years ago, made five birdies in six holes — including back-to-back chip-ins on Nos. 4 and 5 — to close his front nine. then three in a row from No. 14 at his clinic at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in the Alps.
“It’s going to sound crazy,” Wallace said, “but golf is a crazy game. I missed a few chances, I really did.”
He was 14 under par overall, equal or better than three of his last six event wins, and appears to be considering qualifying for European captain Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup team at next year’s Games.
“It’s not just about winning, it’s about playing well,” said Wallace. “Luke wants you to play well and I want to play well. So I’m going to try to play well every day and what comes from it, comes from it.”
The Fitzpatrick brothers, on the other hand, endured different fortunes in the second round.
Alex Fitzpatrick shot a 67 to follow an opening 63 and was the closest challenger to Wallace, while his older brother Matt Fitzpatrick – the former US Open champion and the most famous of the siblings – was 3 over 73 and decided. at a number 1-below normal.
Jordan Smith (65) and Henrik Norlander (67) are tied for third at 9 under for the tournament.
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