Long leads as Willett storms back at The Belfry

Tournament host Danny Willett raised £8,000 for Prostate Cancer UK by carding eight birdies on day two of the Betfred British Masters and in doing so moved to within three shots of leader Hurly Long at the halfway stage.

Germany’s Long carded a four-under-par round of 68 at The Belfry to lead by one, but it was Willett who roared into contention on the iconic Brabazon Course as he responded to an opening one-over-par 73 with a sublime 65 on day two to take his running fundraising total to £12,000 after 36 holes.
Tournament sponsors Betfred have pledged to donate £1,000 for every birdie and £2,000 for every eagle the 2016 Masters Tournament winner makes this week.
“We played really good today. I think that was the only green we missed there on nine. Lots of birdies, lots of chances, took a lot. I'm trying to spend Betfred's money, £8,000 more today to Prostate Cancer UK. We are going in the right direction," said Willett.

Long, who graduated from the European Challenge Tour in 2021, is one stroke clear of 2019 Betfred British Masters champion Marcus Kinhult, round one co-leader Thorbjørn Olesen and Scotland’s Richie Ramsay who all share second place on eight under par, with Denmark’s Rasmus Højgaard a shot further back on seven under.
“It was good. I thought the conditions were quite a bit more difficult today with the wind and it's a bit cooler and there's a lot of tough holes out here but despite not driving it my best, the irons were really good again and so I did give myself some opportunities and yeah, took them when I could.  So yeah, I'm happy," said Long.
Willett is one of four players in a tie for sixth on six-under, alongside countryman Marcus Armitage, South African Justin Walters, who lost in a play-off to Højgaard in the 2020 ISPS Handa UK Championship at The Belfry, and Sweden’s Sebastian Soderberg.