Friday 29 September 2017 16:34, UK
Tyrrell Hatton is focused on cementing his 2018 schedule after continuing his strong start to the week at the British Masters, supported by Sky Sports.
The Englishman defied heavy rain to post a five-under 65 on Friday morning at Close House, mixing six birdies with a sole blemish to move three clear of the chasing pack.
Hatton slipped to 30th in the world rankings after missing five cuts in six starts during a torrid summer, but has experienced a resurgence in form with a tied-third finish in Switzerland and an impressive first 36 holes in the north east.
The 25-year-old has a new caddie on the bag ahead of a busy stretch of events on European Tour, and he is enjoying the opportunity to impress on home soil.
"I'm really happy with the first two days and hopefully I can continue that and take that into the weekend," Hatton said.
"I went to this event with the England Under-18 practice squad when it was at The Belfry and it's a great event, one that I'll always have on my schedule.
"It's good to be back in form with a big run of events coming up with huge world ranking points. I'd like to play as well as I can and climb up the world rankings and secure (a place) in all four majors again next year."
Holding a share of the overnight lead and beginning on the back nine, Hatton birdied three of his opening four holes before rolling in from 10 feet at the 17th to reach the turn in 31.
Hatton picked up another shot at the third but missed from six feet to save par at the seventh, only to drain a 20-footer at the par-three next to set the clubhouse target.
"Conditions weren't easy this morning, obviously with the rain coming down," Hatton added. "It made it quite difficult.
"I'm happy with my morning's work. Obviously I'm in a good position at the moment, but there's nothing stopping the guys going out this afternoon and posting some low scores."
Watch the British Masters throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage continues on Saturday from 11.30am
