Euan Walker goes low in Spain as Craig Howie tracks leader in Sweden

Euan Walker found his form with a vengeance on the Challenge Tour in Spain as fellow Scot Craig Howie stayed in contention in this week’s DP World Tour event in Sweden.

Walker, who is attached to Dundonald Links in his native Ayrshire, had made the cut just once in seven events this season heading into the Emporda Challenge in Girona.

But the 26-year-old put some spring back in his step with a second-round seven-under 63 that contained nine birdies, including three to start and another three on the spin late on.

It was Walker’s best effort on the circuit by two shots and also represented a four-shot improvement on his previous lowest score this season.

Euan Walker tees off on the 1st hole during day two of the Emporda Challenge at Emporda Golf Club in Girona. Picture: Alex Caparros/Getty Images.

“Yeah, really pleased,” said the former Walker Cup player of his day’s work, which saw him move close to the lead on six-under. “I mean, there’s not been that many great rounds this year.

“It’s quite bizarre because you just keep doing the same things and eventually you have a good round like today.”

Liam Johnston (65) and Bradley Neil (67) are also in contention heading into the weekend on four-under.

Howie, who had shared the lead after an opening 65, added a 70 in the second round of the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed event at Halmstad in Sweden.

Craig Howie plays his second shot at the 14th hole in the second round of the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed Hosted by Henrik & Annika at Halmstad Golf Club in Sweden. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images.

The Peebles player sits just three shots off the lead, held by Australian Jason Scrivener after he stormed up the leaderboard on the back of a 64.

“I’ve come off the back of a couple of missed cuts, so it’s nice to be around for the weekend this time,” said Howie. “I’ve been working hard over the last couple of weeks and it’s nice to see that paying off.”

Scrivener leads by two shots from Sweden Linn Grant, a two-time winner on the LET this season, and Italian amateur Carolina Melgrati.

Henrik Stenson, who is hosting the event along with Annika Sorenstam, is lurking ominously, but, after opening with a 70, David Law withdrew before getting his second round underway due to an injury.

On the PGA EuroPro Tour, Michael Stewart tied for fifth behind English winner Nick Cunningham in The World Snooker & Jessie May Championship at Donnington Grove.