VYSOKY UJEZD, Czech Republic – Edoardo Molinari shot his second straight 6-under 66 and earned a two-shot lead after two rounds of the Czech Masters on Friday.
Tied for fourth and two strokes off the lead overnight, the Italian surged with six birdies for his second bogey-free round and a 12-under 132 total at the Albatross Golf Resort near Prague.
“At the moment, I’m very comfortable, I’m enjoying playing golf,” Molinari said. “I’ve been going through a tough few years so at the minute I’m just really enjoying myself on the golf course.”
Three straight birdies on the final three holes gave 2015 Czech Masters champion Thomas Pieters a bogey-free round of 5-under 67 and sole second at 134.
Full-field scores from the D+D Real Czech Masters
Sharing third position on 135, three shots off the lead, were Robert Karlsson (68), Matthias Schwab (65), Sam Horsfield (66), and Hugo Leon (69).
Defending champion Andrea Pavan was among seven golfers tied for seventh after posting 68.
Three-time major champion Padraig Harrington was on 141 after a 68.
Another multiple major winner Ernie Els (73), former world No. 1 Lee Westwood (72) and Eddie Pepperell (71), the highest ranked player at the European Tour event at No. 41, all missed the cut.