England’’s Greg Owen shot a brilliant 64 on the second day of the US PGA Tour Qualifying School to join Welshman Phillip Price and American Rob Rashell in second place at La Quinta, California.
Owen, the winner of The 2003 Daily Telegraph Damovo British Masters, underwent back surgery in May and missed three months of the season. But he showed no ill effects as he posted an eagle and seven birdies round the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course at La Quinta to advance to eight under par, one behind Dan Olsen, while Price added a 69 at the PGA West Stadium Courses to his opening 67.
Price, a winner of three European Tour titles and hero of the 2002 European Ryder Cup team, was joined by Rashell, one of only two American full Members on The European Tour having successfully made it through the 2003 European Tour Qualifying School and retianed his card in 2004, who shot a second 68.
Another Englishman, Brian Davis, also made huge strides towards earning a US PGA Tour card, the 2004 ANZ Championship winner shooting a 65 to reach seven under par and joint eighth position.
The top 30 players and ties after the final round Monday will earn US PGA Tour exemptions.
