Horsey battles tragedy to lead at Wentworth

ENGLAND rookie David Horsey battled against his emotions to enjoy a dream debut in the PGA Championship at Wentworth.Horsey, winner of last season’s Challenge Tour, is suffering personal turmoil with his mother battling breast cancer. But the 24-year-old from Cheshire still managed to make the most of the calmer early morning conditions to shoot a five-under-par 67 to take a joint overnight lead ahead of today’s second round.

Horsey’s show of strength came just hours after world No2 Phil Mickelson announced he was suspending his career because his wife has the same disease, and Horsey wore a pink bracelet to raise awareness.

He said: “I think my golf has been a tonic for my mum, although she never really talks about it that way. It’s been tough and it’s always been in the back of my mind, but I do try hard not to think about it when I play.”

Horsey leads the way alongside Londoner Anthony Wall and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, of Spain, while reigning champion Miguel Angel Jimenez lies a further shot back.