second round 79 yesterday to go with a first round 83 in the British Seniors Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland.

Van Putten was the only Bermudian, among a group which included Lloyd James, Eardley Jones and Brendan (Bees) Ingham, to qualify for the prestigious event which has attracted some of the world's greatest players.

Over the past two days, Van Putten, who represented the Island at the last World Amateur Team Championships, has been rubbing shoulders with the likes of Arnold Palmer and Gary Player.

His two round total of 162 was ten shots over the half-way cut.

Among those who will continue to play over the weekend are two Americans well known in Bermuda -- current Belmont Invitation senior champion Joe Carr and former Bermuda amateur matchplay champion Joel Hirsch.

Carr returned rounds of 72 and 76 while Hirsch fired 75 and 76.

Leader at the half-way mark is Scotland's Brian Barnes who has posted successive 67s for a three shot advantage over American Bob Murphy.