Mason leads in Northumberland

Englishman Carl Mason carded a course-record nine under par 63 to take a five-stroke lead in the Northumberland Seniors Classic at Slaley Hall.

Mason, celebrating his 52nd birthday, leads Ireland’s Eamonn Darcy and Spain’s Manuel Pinero after the second round over the Priestman course.

Mason began the round one shot off Australian Noel Ratcliffe’s lead but surged to the top of the leaderboard with a round which included eight birdies and an eagle.

Mason, who began the event plagued by a persistent back injury, said: “When I woke up this morning my back felt as free and easy as it has done for weeks and that helped me to get my swing back on track

“I can’t remember the last time I played as well as this, and I don’t think I have shot so low since the 61 I scored on the way to winning the Scottish Open at Gleneagles back in 1994.”

“Now I have got to see if I can keep it going tomorrow. But before that a little celebration might be in order.”