MacIntyre shoots 66 to share lead at British Masters

SUTTON COLDFIELD, England (AP) — Robert MacIntyre started with five straight birdies and finished with another two to shoot a 6-under 66 Thursday and take a share of the lead after the second round of the British Masters.

MacIntyre was level with fellow Scotsman Calum Hill (70) and English veteran Richard Bland (69) on 7-under 137, with three players a shot behind — including 2018 winner Eddie Pepperell.

MacIntyre's run of birdies ended with a bogey on the sixth hole at The Belfry after hitting his tee shot into the water. He finished with eight birdies and two bogeys.

“I was in free flow,” MacIntyre said of his flying start. “I hit a couple close but the putter was working. For me it felt beautiful."

At 48, Bland is twice MacIntyre’s age but still looking for his first European Tour title at the 478th attempt.

“It would mean everything, especially at my age,” Bland said. “Of course we’re all here to win and if I could do that at such an iconic event as the British Masters, that would be all your Christmases coming at once I think."

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