Late birdie blast keeps Mark Kerr up among the PGA leaders

Lothians golfer Mark Kerr produced his own fireworks on the King's course yesterday to cement his place among the leaders at the halfway stage of the Gleneagles Scottish PGA championship.

While Greenock's Chris Doak stole the show with a stunning 61 to surge ahead, Capital man Kerr covered his final five holes in five-under for a four-under 67 to finish in a share of fourth on eight-under 134, six strokes behind the rampant Doak.

Kerr, who tied for fourth in last year's championship, was plodding along at one-over through 13 holes but kick-started his dazzling late show with a drive to four-feet at the short par-four 14th and holed the putt for an eagle-two.

The 28-year-old then drained a 15-footer for birdie at 16 before rolling in a 30-footer on the last for another eagle to finish with a flourish.

"After 13 holes, thing were looking a bit ropey," said Kerr. "I caught a look at the leaderboard at that point and thought I would be miles behind given what Chris had scored. The eagle at 14 really got me going and it was a great finish."

Kerr was joined in a share of fourth by Lothians duo David Patrick and Gareth Wright. Scottish Young Pros' champ Patrick, one off the pace overnight, posted a 68 for his 134 tally but was left to reflect on a hatful of missed birdie opportunities from inside 10-feet on the outward half.

He said: "I had my chances and while I'm a wee bit back I don't think I'll be too far away if I shoot four rounds in the 60s."

West Linton pro Wright continued his impressive start to the championship with a six-birdie 66.

Ross Dixon, who represents the Renaissance club near Gullane, shot a 68 to move into a share of 13th on 139 but Edinburgh-based Andrew Coltart dropped back with a 73, which began with three bogeys in a row from the first, for 141.

Doak romped into a five-shot lead over Greg McBain and Craig Lee with his sizzling 10-under round for 128. Royal Dornoch man McBain, playing in his first Scottish championship, had a 63 including a pitch-in from 60 yards for an eagle-three on the 18th.

Defending champ David Orr was the chief casualty yesterday and a double-bogey seven on the last in a 70 saw him miss the cut by a shot on a 146.