Manuel Elvira's 'dream start' helps him equal course record at Ras Al Khaimah Championship

Spain's Manuel Elvira and Denmark’s Rasmus Højgaard edged ahead after another day of low scoring at Al Hamra Golf Club during the second round of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship saw them reach 14-under par at the halfway point.

Elvira repeated the feat of Callum Shinkwin in the opening round by equalling the course record with a scintillating 62 which featured eight birdies and an eagle two on the par-4 13th.

“I got off to the dream start. I was six under through five, birdied the first three and then eagled my fourth hole (13th) and birdied the fifth,” he said. “After that it was just a case of keep going. I kept giving myself chances and got a 62 at the end so very happy with it."

Both Højgaard and Elvira have played alongside their brothers on the DP World Tour this season, with Elvira sharing a room this week with 2021 Wales Open champion Nacho, while Højgaard's identical twin Nicolai is contending at the Farmer's Insurance Open on the PGA Tour.

While the 22-year-old Højgaards have been regulars on Tour since 2020, 27-year-old Elvira - nine years his brother's junior - is playing in his rookie season after graduating from the European Challenge Tour.

He secured three second places as he finished third on the 'Road to Mallorca' and is now looking to go one better for a first professional win.

“Obviously playing Challenge Tour last year was a great experience and preparation for the main tour," he said. "It is really competitive every week. I was lucky to be in contention a lot last year so I feel like am prepared to perform here so we will see what happens on the weekend.”

Manuel Elvira comes close to an ace as he now goes into the solo lead at -14!