Lowry back in contention as Poulter leads

While tournament leader Ian Poulter appropriately fed the ducks a turkey roll, Ireland’s Shane Lowry feasted on an eagle and four birdies on a storm-interrupted second round of the Turkish Airlines Open.

Poulter eased his way three clear of his rivals at 13-under par after 14 holes while Lowry had moved into a share of seventh by the same stage when play was halted for the day.

However Poulter interrupted his round at the ninth when a few ducks wandered onto the Montgomerie Maxx Royal Course. “I fed them Terry’s (caddy) turkey and cheese roll and they loved it,” said Poulter smiling.

Lowry went into the second round of the $7m event having posted an opening 70 but burst up the leaderboard with a first hole eagle, where he hit a 5-wood iron second shot to 15-feet, and then three birdies in succession.

The Carton House pro then pared the next seven holes to then birdie 13 but dropped a shot on 14 just prior to the stoppage. “I got off to a flyer to be five under par after five holes and I played those first few holes really well,” he said. “So I was delighted with my start and anytime you start a round of golf with an eagle is always encouraging.

“Considering I was three over par after eight holes yesterday I’m delighted to have clawed my way back so I’m now 10 under par in my last 24 holes. I’m right where I want to be.”