British Masters 2024: Tyrrell Hatton shoots 65 to lead at The Belfry

Tyrrell Hatton leads the British Masters after posting a superb seven-under-par 65 in the second round at The Belfry.

The 32-year-old Englishman is on 10 under par this week and holds a one-stroke lead over South African Brandon Stone, Spaniard Jorge Campillo and Frenchman Ko Jeong-weon.

It is Hatton’s first appearance in a regular DP World Tour event since January, after he appealed sanctions imposed for competing in LIV Golf events without permission.

The two-time Ryder Cup winner – the heavy favourite before the event – made eight birdies and just one bogey to put him top of the leaderboard at the start of the weekend.

“We always say we left something behind – it’s never perfect, right?” Hatton said.

“But I’m more than happy with seven under today. Ultimately it’s the first job done to make the cut and give yourself a chance for the weekend and I’m happy with where we are.

“I’ve missed a few more short ones, so it’s nice if I can’t do that on the weekend. I just have to keep giving myself chances.”

Stone had the best round of the day, making nine birdies, including four in a row from 14th to 17th, for a magnificent score of 64.

Englishman Paul Waring shared the lead after the first day, but a second round of three over par and lots of bogeys saw him drop back to two under par.