Sam Walker made a stunning start to his second round at the Scottish Hydro Challenge hosted by Macdonald Hotels and Resorts, marching into a five shot lead as he was five under through eight holes and 12 under for the tournament.

The Englishman entered the second day, which was delayed by two and a half hours after heavy overnight rain, tied for the lead with compatriot Daniel Brooks but after teeing off at the 11th early in the day, he got off to a flyer.

The 34 year old birdied his first hole before an eagle at the par five 13th hole was followed by back to back birdies at the 17th and 18th, to move him five shots clear of Brooks, who was yet to tee off.

Benn Barham moved into tied second early on as four birdies took him four under through eight holes and seven under for the tournament.

More challengers were emerging from the field with the Challenge Tour Rankings’ Number One player Gary Lockerbie three under through eight holes and six under for the tournament, eight shots off the pace.

Local favourite Wallace Booth was level par through three holes after starting birdie, bogey.