Cameron Percy set aside his grief at the death of his friend Dean Jones to push into the top echelon at the US PGA Tour’s Corales Championship in the Dominican Republic today.

Percy learned of Jones’ death of a heart attack just before he teed off at the Puntacana Resort.

He shot 67, five-under par, to be tied-seventh, just two shots from the lead.

The Victorian veteran, 46, is enjoying a resurgence in recent times having led the Safeway Open into the final round a fortnight ago before fading to finish tied-23rd.

Percy had a close relationship with the golf-loving Jones, who was a multiple club champion at Romsey Golf Club, north of Melbourne, and who momentarily turned professional in 2013.

Percy tweeted: “My sporting idol with (Peter) Daicos growing up. Was about to hit off when l heard the news. Gutted doesn’t describe the feeling l have today. Will miss your positive messages mate.”

Karrie Webb was among the big-name golfers who posted messages of sympathy after it was announced on Thursday night that Jones, 59, had died in Mumbai, where he was commentating on the Indian Premier League.

PGA Tour scores