South Korea’s An shares secondround lead at Phoenix Open
LOS ANGELES: South Korean An Byeong- Hun drained a 35- foot birdie putt at the final hole on Friday (Saturday in Manila) to grab a share of the USPGA Tour Phoenix Open lead alongside American Brendan Steele.
An carded his second straight missed a seven-foot par putt at 18. 66 for 10-under 132, while Steele South Africa’s Louis had three of his four birdies in the Oosthuizen, hurt by a double last four holes in a four-under 67. bogey at 18, was in a group on
They were one stroke in front seven- under 135 that also inof a group of players led by overcluded Michael Kim, J.J. Spaun night leader Matt Kuchar, who and Rickie Fowler — who lost at carded a 69, and defending chamthe fourth playoff hole to pion Hideki Matsuyama of Japan, Matsuyama in Phoenix last year. who signed for a 68. Kuchar and There was no stumble at the Matsuyama were joined on 133 last for An, who hit only five by Scotland’s Martin Laird, who of 14 fairways in regulation posted a 66 and South Korea’s but scrambled to make 15 of Kang Sung, who shot a 65. 18 greens.
Matsuyama had a chance to “I always make one of those, I join the leading group, but guess, in a round,” An said of his birdie bomb at 18.
He had just one bogey in his first 36 holes of his first Phoenix Open, the tournament known for its massive galleries and rowdy atmosphere.
Kuchar said he didn’t drive it as well on Friday as he did in his sparkling seven-under effort in the first round.“
Hard to keep up with yesterday’s seven- under,” he said. “I played amazing golf yesterday. I still feel like today was very steady golf.”
Kuchar said he noticed a difference playing in the morning on Friday, after playing in the afternoon on Thursday.
“The ball goes significantly longer in the afternoon. It feels like the course plays so much longer in the morning.”
Five- time major winner Phil Mickelson, a three- time winner and fan favorite in Phoenix, shot 70 to enter the weekend at four- under par. He hurt his chances for his fourth Phoenix Open title with bogeys at the eighth and ninth, his final two holes of the day.
“It sucks finishing with two bogeys,” Mickelson said. “But I’m playing well.”
Jordan Spieth is also at fourunder after shooting 68 on Friday. He hit his tee shot in the water at 18 and finished with a double- bogey.
Those missing the cut made at one- under 141 included Justin Thomas and Bubba Watson. Thomas, the FedExCup standings leader, shot 73 for a two-round total of even par 142. Watson carded a 74 for 143.
England’s Luke Donald also missed the cut, finishing at even par through 36 holes.