McGrane makes it seven out of seven
Saturday March 3rd 2007
DAMIEN McGRANE was pleased to make his seventh cut in succession at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Phuket, but the Irishman continues to strive for more in maintaining his 'Mr Consistency' tag.
McGrane kept his 100 per cent record intact this season by carding a level par 72 on the second day of the event which was played in stifling conditions on the Blue Canyon course.
The Knightsbrook attached golfer was soaked in sweat as the sauna-like conditions continued to drain the energy and focus of all competitors on the Thai holiday island.
McGrane is well off the pace and heads to the weekend rounds trailing Oliver Wilson by nine shots.
The Englishman produced two eagles and three birdies in his round of 66 for a 10-under par tally.
South African Anton Haig is a shot further back after equalling the course record with an eight under par 64.
But looming large is Retief Goosen, who muscled his way into a share of third place on eight-under-par following his second straight score of 68.
Goosen is looking to become the event's first triple champion.
Portrush's Graeme McDowell also assured his place over the weekend, despite adding a disappointing 76 to his opening score of 67, to also get in on one-under par.
His 2007 record now reads four and one, with yesterday's second round including a lone birdie but also five bogeys.
In contrast, Peter Lawrie slumped to a fourth straight missed cut after adding a 74 to his opening score of 75.
McGrane's fifth season on the European Tour commenced last November in Hong Kong where he finished in a share of 36th place and, since then, the 35-year-old has made the cut in events in Australia, New Zealand, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Malaysia and now Thailand.
"Seven from seven is not too bad and I am pleased with that statistic," he said.
Pleased
"But this game for me is more than just making cuts. I've got to start getting myself more in contention and I can't manage that heading to the weekend nine shots behind.
"I've played pretty well over the last two days, but just haven't got anything out of my game. I just seem to be grinding it out so hopefully some luck might fall my way over the weekend.
"The heat and humidity is the biggest factor this week and, just like Malaysia a few weeks ago, you have to keep taking fluids at every opportunity.
"There's plenty of birdie opportunities out there and it's just a matter of trying to keep the bogeys off the scorecard and they can happen should you let your concentration drop, and that's so easy to do in this heat."
Bernie McGuire