His brilliant 65 on Day 2 of the tournament included five birdies and an eagle at Wentworth Club in Surrey. Gerard, who earned DP World Tour status by winning last season’s Barracuda Championship and finished in a tie for 38th in his debut at this Rolex Series event last season, is now two shots clear of Australia’s Adam Scott and Italian Filippo Celli, who are at ten under.

US PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai, who played alongside Rory McIlroy and Open champion Ryan Fox, also enjoyed a birdie-birdie finish as he signed for a 69. McIlroy and Fox carded rounds of 67 and 68 respectively, staying in contention for the lead.

PGA Championship Leaderboard after Day 2. Photo: X/Golf Channel LA

After the day’s play, Gerard said he was just enjoying a great game of golf on the day. “There’s a lot of really awesome places outside of the United States that we don’t get to go to very often,” he said.  

“To be lucky enough to come over here to Wentworth and also go to France next week, other events on the schedule, it’s really, really cool that I have that opportunity, and we’re going to take advantage of it.”

On his 65, he added: “I don't know if I was feeling an eagle-birdie finish, but I stayed patient all day. You know when you get to the last couple of holes at Wentworth here, they are gettable.”

South Africans

“There’s also trouble lurking, so you have to be careful. Just felt like we were putting the ball in the right spots all day. Good things happen when you stick to the plan and execute shots.”

Three South Africans have made the cut. Alfred Dunhill and Mauritius Open champion Jayden Schaper will start Day 3 on four under par, while Yurav Premlall will start on two under. Shaun Norris just made the cut on par.

Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka was among the big names to miss the cut at one over.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg