Luiten shoots 63 to take two-stroke lead at Euram Bank Open

Luiten, who also briefly led at the Austrian Open last week before finishing in a share of 18th, was in fine shape for most of the day at the spectacular Golf Club Adamstal in the Austrian Alps.

The Dutchman carded an eagle at the par-five third for the second successive day and also recorded three birdies on the front nine.

He looked to be heading for an unblemished round but dropped a shot on the par-three 18th, and despite an otherwise impressive day, Luiten could not hide his frustration with that bogey.

He said: "You never want to finish with a bogey. I missed the green, hit a decent chip and missed a short putt from about eight foot.

"All in all, it was a good day and I don't want to ruin it just because of the bogey on the last. I need to take the positives into the weekend."

After 36 holes:- 12 Luiten -10 Stalter -10 Eriksson -9 Brun#EuramBankOpen

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 16, 2020

Indeed, that has given him a little breathing room at 12 under for the tournament, two clear of Joel Stalter – who had earlier set the clubhouse lead – and Philip Erikson.

Like Luiten, Stalter also got an eagle on the third hole, sinking a remarkable approach from 112 yards and he added a further three birdies, going bogey-free for the round.

None of the leading trio will want to rest on their laurels, however, with five other players on eight under or better.

Scott Fernandez, a further shot back on seven under, might just fancy his chances of getting into contention, particularly after his impressive round.