On a bitterly cold day of golf, Sweden’s Johan Edfors finally discovered hot form yesterday (Friday) to storm into the lead in the $2.5 million Commercialbank Qatar Masters, Presented by Dolphin Energy, at Doha Golf Club.

The Dubai-based Swede, who enjoyed a purple patch winning three European Tour titles in 2006 before suffering a stuttering run of form last year, shot a superb second round 66 (-6) to go two shots clear of the chasing pack on -9 (135). 

It was an impressive performance by Edfors following his opening round of 69 and put him two ahead of South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel whose 67 took him to -7 (137) and overnight co-leader Lee Westwood (70), with both one shot ahead of Sweden’s Alex Noren, Englishman Ross McGowan, joint overnight leader Anton Haig – also of South Africa – and a resurgent David Howell of England all on -6 (138).

“This year is all about having fun again,” said the 32 year-old Edfors. “Last year, I wasn’t enjoying myself on the course and I had a shoulder injury. I decided to take 8-9 weeks off, didn’t pick up a club and now I’m really enjoying my golf again. Perhaps I was trying a little too hard last year.”

Because of the un-seasonal temperature, many of the players suffered due to a lack of warm clothing with Schwartzel dressing as if for a European winter.

“I wasn’t expecting this – not in the desert,” said the 23 year-old from Johannesburg. “This morning I had four layers of clothing on but you’ve just got to cope with it. “

Edfors 2
But with the temperature akin to that of his homeland, Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie celebrated Burns Day in style with a second round 68 (-4) that hoisted him up the leaderboard to joint fourth on 139 (-5) with England’s Nick Dougherty and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson.

“I was frozen this morning – I think we all were,” smiled Monty. “I think it warmed up to something near respectability but it was very, very cold, the ball was going nowhere and it was really windy and grey.

“But all in all 68 today and no bogeys, that’s the key. If I can keep the bogeys off the card – and I’ve only made two this week – then I have a chance here. I need to keep ticking along and just try to get back into the top 50. I’m not there right now so I have to prove that to myself more than anything. It’s a young man’s sport these days and although I’m doing OK to compete at my age it’s more of a struggle than it ever was, believe me!”

But while big guns such as Montgomerie and Westwood are continuing in the hunt for the prestigious Mother of Pearl Trophy, there was disappointment for Ian Poulter (+4), Abu Dhabi Champion Martin Kaymer (+5), Scott Verplank (+6) and Paul Casey (+2) who all missed the cut, along with amateur Gulf hopeful Othman Al Mulla of Saudi Arabia who will have enjoyed the experience despite a two round total of 156 (+12).

Leaders after round two: Edfors (SWE) 135 (-9): Schwartzel (RSA), Westwood (ENG) 137 (-7); Noren (SWE), McGowan (ENG), Howell (ENG) Haig (RSA) 138 (-6); Dougherty (ENG), Montgomerie (SCO), Stenson (SWE) 139 (-5).