Paul Waring Hits 61 to Lead Abu Dhabi Championship

Paul Waring from England set a course record with an impressive 11-under-par 61, taking a commanding five-shot lead after the second round of the Abu Dhabi Championship. The 39-year-old delivered a stunning round, making nine birdies and one eagle to reach 19 under par, which marked his lowest career score. Waring ended his round with a remarkable shot on the par-five 18th, hitting a 265-yard approach to within three feet of the pin despite an earlier wayward drive. “That was the best shot I’ve ever hit in my life,” Waring said.

Meanwhile, Tommy Fleetwood, who shared the course record with Waring after Thursday’s round, shot a 68 and currently sits in second place at 14 under. He shares this position with American Johannes Veerman and Danes Thorbjorn Olesen and Niklas Norgaard Moller. Further down, Laurie Canter, Tyrrell Hatton and Matt Wallace trail Waring by seven shots at 12 under along with Frenchman Ugo Coussaud. Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre finished the second round at 11 under.

In addition, Rory McIlroy aiming for a sixth Race to Dubai title, posted a 67 for the second consecutive day but trails by nine shots after a triple bogey on the 17th. McIlroy needs to secure a top-two finish at Yas Links to claim the title ahead of the European Tour season finale in Dubai next week. “I need the golf course to toughen up a little bit to have a chance,” McIlroy said, highlighting that there were too many “gettable holes.”

As the third round approaches, Paul Waring aims to continue his impressive form and extend his lead while Fleetwood, McIlroy and the others push to close the gap.