Bond storms to top of Wales Open

Liam Bond took his form in the Race to Woodbury Park to the national stage when he took full advantage of a last-minute invite to soar to the top of the leaderboard at the ISPS Handa Wales Open as he aims to become the tournament’s first home winner.

The Welshman, who lives ten minutes from the famous Celtic Manor Resort and is the touring professional at the nearby St Pierre Golf Club, carded a solid three-under-par second round of 68 on a day when many struggled with the difficult conditions and tough pins.

Bond, however, has been in good form in his region of late with three Order of Merit titles to his name with victory set to be rubberstamped at the season’s finale at the The PGA in England & Wales (South (West) headquarters from September 4-5.

Before that though the 43-year-old is now dreaming of a fairytale home victory having received a call the day before the tournament to accept an invite following a late withdrawal.

“I only found out I was getting in on Wednesday afternoon,” said the Southport-born professional. “I didn't have any time to over‑prepare like I have done in the past, I just turned straight up and played, and it has worked out well.

“I've been playing well all year. Since I lost my card in 2011, I've been playing regional golf and I've won three times there, so I feel like my game is still pretty good.

“It's my first tournament now for a year and a half, so it's nice to be in a position to do well.  I think the pressure's off really.  I'm not trying to grind out and keep my card, so I'm just trying to play and enjoy it.

“I played really nicely yesterday and it's nice to carry it on today. With it being so tough and windy, there is always a potential banana skin and you can drop a few early and you're in a bit of trouble. I've just been pretty steady.”

First round leader Espen Kofstad sits in tied second place alongside Tjaart Van der Walt having followed up an opening 64 with a three-over-par 74. Meanwhile, the Norwegian’s playing partner and 2014 Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley moved into contention to win the first tournament of the points race to Gleneagles.