Dean Burmester relished the chance he got to play the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and on Friday shot 70 to join the top 20 going into the weekend.
The 27 year old missed his European Tour card after finishing 39th at Final Stage of European Tour qualifying school, but tied for 17th place at the Alfred Dunhill Championship three weeks later.
He started the new year with bang when he took sole fourth at the SA Open, enjoying the walk up the 18th as the best local player at Glendower Golf Club.
That top-five secured his place at Abu Dhabi Golf Club this week, where the likes are Henrik Stenson and Dustin Johnson are competing.
Burmester held his own against them with a Thursday 69 and kept the momentum with a round of 70 on Friday that saw him six shots behind the halfway lead.
Sweet 6️6️ for @RCabreraBello after finishing birdie-birdie-birdie.
Leads by two.
Follow: https://t.co/xD3vjs0YZO pic.twitter.com/DnV4b8iR8y
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 20, 2017
Taking the reins was Rafa Cabrera-Bello, who birdied the last three holes for a round of 66 and set the halfway mark at 11 under par in the clubhouse.
Great playing again!Lots of positives to take to the weekend!Still a lot to go but pleased to be in this position @EuropeanTour @HSBC_Sport pic.twitter.com/g08HGihGtO
— Rafa Cabrera Bello (@RCabreraBello) January 20, 2017
