Payne maintains advantage

Greg Payne will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the IFX International Championship at Burhill Golf Club after reaching 10-under-par with a second round 70.

The Chobham Golf Club player levelled the course record with an opening-round 64 and with five birdies and three bogeys on day two maintained his one-stroke advantage over Chris Lloyd and Luke Goddard (Hendon).

Richard Edington (Royal Wimbledon Golf Club) is two shots back on eight-under after rounds of 66 and 70 on the par-72 New Course.

“I will take the same approach as I have the last two days,” said leader Payne. “That is to be aggressive because I will have to play well again because there are some guys behind me who are very good players. I will have to keep up the same pace.

“I look forward to being in the last group, I love that environment and I cannot wait. It is always nice playing one of my favourite courses and we have had some great conditions. I am really looking forward to it.”

The round of the day was carded by Ben Storey (Woburn Golf Club), who shares fifth with Chris Halley (Malton & Norton Golf Club) and Germany’s Hendrik Beins (Wayne Roots Golf Academy) on six under.

Storey began the day two over par but is now in contention on six under after a second-round 64, which equals the course record set by Billy Fowles in winning here four years ago and Payne’s opening-round this week.

The tournament is being played over Burhill’s New Course with the winning golfer taking home £10,000 from a total prize fund of £50,000. Any earnings will make a valuable contribution to the Race To Desert Springs Order of Merit, from which the top five at the end of the season earn a Challenge Tour card for 2017.

The IFX International Championship is a 54-hole tournament which began on Wednesday, May 25 and concludes on Friday, May 27. A cut to the leading 50 players and ties has now been made with all those level par or better proceeding to the final round. Spectator entry is free throughout the event and highlights will be broadcast on Sky Sports on Tuesday, June 7.