Jacobson surges into contention in Texas

Sweden’s Fredrik Jacobson moved up 59 places to joint eighth with a stunning best-of-the-day 62 in the second round of the Bank of America Colonial tournament in Texas.

The score equalled the lowest of Jacobson’s US Tour career and was only one outside the course record – yet he thought it could have been even better.

“In the back of my mind I was thinking about 59,” said the former Volvo Masters champion, who after seven birdies on the par 70 lay-out needed four more in the last seven holes for the magic number, but could manage only one.

“I hit a couple of good tee shots on six and seven (his 15th and 16th holes of the day) and had chances – but you feel pretty good any time you get it close to 59.

“I’ve been striking it well lately, but my short game, which is usually a strength, has not been up to par for the last three or four tournaments. Hopefully this brings me to scoring well.”

Jacobson went into the third round three behind Australian Rod Pampling, the man who took advantage of Greg Owen’s late collapse in the Bay Hill Invitational in March.

Pampling got up and down from sand five times out of five for a career-best 63 and at 10 under par at halfway led by one from Americans Stewart Cink and Charley Hoffman and Canada’s Players Championship winner Stephen Ames.

Jacobson is far from flying the European flag on his own. His compatriot Richard Johnson (65) and Norway’s Henrik Bjornstad (64) are also seven under, while a third Swede, Daniel Chopra, is just one further back after going to the turn in just 29 with six birdies in eight holes.

Favourite Jim Furyk (67) was another in on seven under, while Britain’s Justin Rose added a 69 to his opening 68 to be three under and joint 24th.