KEITH NOLAN sets high standards, and so it was no surprise to learn that he was not entirely satisfied with a five under par 67 in the second round of the Eisenhower Trophy in the Philippines yesterday.
The Britain and Ireland team are sixth after two rounds of the World Amateur Team Championship. Australia yesterday scored a 23 under par total of 409 to open up a nine stroke lead over Canada and Finland.
Nolan, the 23 year old Irish international from Bray, set the mark that was matched by Scotsman Barclay Howard, who also finished with a 67 around Southwoods Legends course. Those two scores were vital in keeping Great Britain and Ireland in contention, with Gary Wolstenholme and Michael Brooks managing returns of 73 and 77 respectively on the adjoining Masters course.
The fact was not lost on captain Clive Brown. "The 67s were just what we wanted, because it is easy to play yourself out of contention over the first two rounds. We are in a strong position to challenge for a medal.
The gold may be beyond them with Australia now nine strokes clear of the field, but Great Britain and Ireland go into the third round only three strokes behind Canada and Finland in second.
"I played really well but on the whole putted badly," said Nolan, referring to the four birdie putts inside 15 feet that stayed above ground. "I missed a bunch of chances and it could so easily have been a 64 or 65," he added.
