By Steve Scott, golf correspondent

PETER WHITEFORD has perhaps more motivation than any of the Ryder Cup chasers in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles as he battles not for Valhalla but to stay on the European Tour this weekend.

The 28-year-old European Tour rookie from Windygates in Fife shot a brilliant 68 yesterday on the PGA Centenary Course to leap into a share of third place, two strokes behind leader Gregory Havret at the halfway stage and within sight of a cheque that might secure his place on Tour for a second season and avoid the “financial wrecker” of going back to the Challenge Tour.

“No offence to the people on the Challenge Tour, it’s brilliantly run and there are guys there who could compete if they could make the jump to here,” he said.

“But I spent four years battling to get out of there and I don’t want to have to go back.

“You can’t make a living on it, and after a while there you have to ask yourself whether you’re good enough. I always knew I was good enough, it’s just how long you can afford to keep doing it.

“It’s all about finance down there, there are great players, but getting up here is the problem.”

At 152nd on the Order of Merit, Peter could do with a large input of cash this weekend to help, but he isn’t setting any targets.

“I know how to win from the Challenge Tour events and that should help, but I’m not thinking about Sunday,” he said.

“I’ve played well for a round, maybe two in some events recently but the big thing is having got to this position to press on. I have had a barren couple of months but the game hasn’t felt this good in a while.”

The highlight of Whiteford’s round was the chip-in from the front of the green for eagle at the 16th, starting a run of four strokes gained in three holes that pushed him into contention.

Playing in front of friends and family was a help as well.

“It’s as close to home as I’ve played as a professional, and it was great to have everyone here. I believe a few more guys are coming up for the weekend so that will be great.”

Gary Orr’s one-under 72 was something of a disappointment as he finished with a bogey six from the centre of the fairway on the long, uphill 18th.

This left him in a share of fifth spot with serious contenders to win in Soren Hansen, David Howell, and former US Open champion Michael Campbell, who shot a 69.

The surprise Scots to come through and make the cut were Scottish Amateur runner-up Steven McEwan, who put together a fine three-under-par 70 to make the weekend on the mark of two-over, while Tartan Tour player Steven Gray, of Hayston, shot a 72 to come through on one-over.

Stephen Gallacher also qualified on the mark after a 72 but there was disappointment for Paul Lawrie, his par 73 leaving him one shot out.

Most disappointingly, defending champion Marc Warren had a disaster, slumping to a seven-over-par 80 meaning he misses the weekend.