BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Two-time defending champion Steve Stricker birdied the ultimate two holes for a 7-under 65 and a one-shot lead over Ernie Els on Friday after the second spherical of the Areas Custom, the primary of 5 PGA Tour Champions majors.
Stricker, who has received three of the final 4 occasions at Greystone, had 4 birdies and a pair of bogeys over the primary six holes earlier than overtaking Els on the finish. A six-time winner final yr, he’s searching for his first this season and acquired his want of being within the last group for what he predicted “ought to be a enjoyable weekend.”
Stricker stated he’s not dwelling on the prospect for a three-peat.
“I get pleasure from it right here. I really feel good going round right here,” he stated. “I’m simply attempting to, you understand, that previous cliché of simply taking one shot, one gap at a time form of factor. So proceed that with (Saturday).”
A World Golf Corridor of Famer, Els shot a 68 within the second spherical. He was a part of a six-way tie for first upon Spherical 1’s completion earlier within the day after play was halted due to unhealthy climate Thursday.
Els had 4 birdies and nonetheless hasn’t had a bogey over the primary 36 holes to remain up with Stricker.
“Steve Stricker is clearly the king round right here in the meanwhile,” Els stated. “He’s received three or 4 occasions. He’s acquired the event document so in all probability taking part in with him (Saturday) so I must maintain the tempo up with Steve and try to make him work laborious for this one. He’s all the time acquired a variety of momentum on this course, however no less than we’re heading in a superb path.”
Steve Flesch, who had one bogey, moved to 10 underneath with a birdie on 18 for a 69. He’s a four-time winner on the 50-and-over circuit however hasn’t completed higher than twenty fifth in seven occasions this yr.
“I attempted to be affected person with how the yr has been happening, however the golf hasn’t been as unhealthy as possibly the place I’m on the Schwab Cup record signifies,” stated Flesch, who got here in ranked sixty fifth. “So possibly this will likely be a pleasant kickstart for me to get my yr going a bit of bit, however I’m simply I’m simply glad I’ve form of performed two first rate rounds and heading into the weekend with an opportunity.”
Charlie Wi and Padraig Harrington had been 9 underneath. Wi shot a 69, making two bogeys on par 5s however closing on No. 18 along with his fifth birdie of the spherical. The South Korean has two runner-up finishes however no victories in 33 PGA Tour Champions occasions.
Harrington had a extra up and down day, overcoming 4 bogeys for a 70.
Kenny Perry (71) and Marco Dawson (70) had been 4 photographs again.
