BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Two-time defending champion Steve Stricker birdied the ultimate two holes for a 7-under 65 and a 1-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 previous 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 12 months, he is in search of his first this season and acquired his want of being within the closing group for what he predicted “needs to be a enjoyable weekend.”
Stricker mentioned he isn’t dwelling on the possibility for a three-peat.
“I get pleasure from it right here. I really feel good going round right here,” he mentioned. “I am simply attempting to, , that previous cliche of simply taking one shot, one gap at a time sort 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 dangerous 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 for the time being,” Els mentioned. “He is received three or 4 occasions. He is acquired the event file so most likely enjoying with him [Saturday] so I have to hold the tempo up with Steve and attempt to make him work arduous for this one. He is at all times acquired loads of momentum on this course, however at the least we’re heading in a superb path.”
Steve Flesch, who had one bogey, moved to 10 below 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 12 months.
“I attempted to be affected person with how the 12 months has been happening, however the golf hasn’t been as dangerous as possibly the place I’m on the Schwab Cup checklist signifies,” mentioned Flesch, who got here in ranked sixty fifth. “So possibly this will likely be a pleasant kick begin for me to get my 12 months going slightly bit, however I am simply I am simply glad I’ve sort of performed two respectable rounds and heading into the weekend with an opportunity.”
Charlie Wi and Padraig Harrington have been 9 below. 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) have been 4 photographs again.
