Anglo Scot Alan Hemsley, who has only occasionally hit a ball competitively in recent years, has renewed his enthusiasm for the game, ironically since being made redundant at the beginning of this year.
After leaving Richmond Park near Thetford, the 50-year-old has worked on his game, and it has paid dividends in what is his rookie year as a senior. Over the last two days Hemsley has leapt to the higher echelons of the leaderboard at the Senior PGA Professional Championship over the tough Northants County course, firing two successive 72's.
Out early today, Hemsley overcame a shaky spell round the turn - "I just seemed to lose my swing for a while, but then regrouped" - and after three successive bogeys from the ninth, his putter, working valiantly all day, holed out from 18 and 25 feet respectively at the 13th and 14th for much needed birdies. He also saved par at 16 and 17 by seeing eight-footers drop each time.
"This has all come about, really, because of the generosity of the owners of Norfolk Golf and Country Club (Ray and Kate Barlow), who've given me the chance to do some teaching, helping in the shop and trying to promote the club's attractions."
Overnight leader on 68 (two under par), Donald Stirling, briefly extended his lead with another birdie, but after 14 holes has dropped five shots, to lie +2. The title holder, Bill Lockie, is now tying the lead, on +1, with Barrie Stevens (Beau Desert), who has yet to begin his second round.
28 May, 2009