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 instances 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, Stricker is in search of his first this season and received his want of being within the remaining group for what he predicted “ought to be a enjoyable weekend.”
He mentioned he was not dwelling on the possibility for a three-peat.
“I get pleasure from it right here. I really feel good going round right here,” Stricker mentioned. “I am simply attempting to, you recognize, that outdated cliché of simply taking one shot, one gap at a time sort of factor.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 in the intervening time,” Els mentioned. “He is received three or 4 instances. He is received the match report, so in all probability taking part in with him [Saturday], so I have to hold the tempo up with Steve and try to make him work arduous for this one. He is all the time received a variety of momentum on this course, however a minimum of we’re heading in a very good course.”
Steve Flesch, who had one bogey, moved to 10 beneath 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 occurring, however the golf hasn’t been as dangerous as perhaps the place I’m on the Schwab Cup checklist signifies,” mentioned Flesch, who got here in ranked sixty fifth. “So perhaps this will likely be a pleasant kick begin for me to get my 12 months going a little bit bit, however I am simply glad I’ve sort of performed two first rate rounds and heading into the weekend with an opportunity.”
Charlie Wi and Padraig Harrington had been 9 beneath. 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 pictures again.
