ASH, England—Britain's Graeme McDowell set a scorching pace midway through the European Open second round at the London Club on Friday.
The 28-year-old followed up his opening 65 with a five-under-par 67 to race three strokes clear of the field with a 12-under tally of 132.
Compatriot Ross Fisher, who blitzed his way to a course record 63 on Thursday, was a late starter at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Heritage layout.
Sergio Garcia, playing in the same group as McDowell, crammed seven birdies and an eagle in a 64 to move alongside Fisher on nine under.
A further two strokes adrift on seven under was Ireland's Paul McGinley, who recovered from a bogey-double bogey finish to his opening round by shooting a 68 for 137.
On another sunny day on the outskirts of the capital, McDowell began at the 10th and made a fast start with three birdies in the first six holes.
The Northern Irishman, winner of the Ballantine's Championship in South Korea in May, dropped his only stroke of the day at the short 17th before notching three more birdies coming home.
The putts were also dropping with regular frequency for world number eight Garcia and he ended his round in style by sinking an 18-footer at the ninth.
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