NEWS

Thomas Pieters leads Spanish Open by one as Sergio Garcia slips five back

By Associated Press
Published on
GIRONA, Spain – Thomas Pieters overcame three early bogeys to shoot a second consecutive 3-under 69 Friday and take a one-shot lead after the second round of the Spanish Open. 
 
The Belgian rookie, who earned his European Tour card here at the PGA Catalunya Resort in November, had a 6-under 138 total to sit one shot ahead of first-round leader Eddie Pepperell of England (71) and Joost Luiten of the Netherlands (69). 
 
Italy's Francesco Molinari had six birdies to sit two shots back after a 67. 
 
"I just hung in there and made some late birdies," said the 22-year-old Pieters, who starred at the University of Illinois, where his coach was PGA Professional Mike Small. "The wind died out on the last nine and I took advantage of that." 
 
Sergio Garcia had six bogeys in his 74 to slip five behind Pieters.