World number one Tiger Woods surged to within one stroke of the leaders, rolling in a birdie putt on 18 en route to a four-under 68 in Friday’s second round of the $6,8-million PGA Championship.
The United Kingdom’s Luke Donald and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson led another birdie fest on Friday, each shooting their second-straight 68s to top a crowded leader board in the final major of the season.
Donald and Stenson were joined by Americans Billy Andrade (69) and Tim Herron (67) at eight-under 136 after two rounds at the Medinah Country Club course.
But most eyes were on the marquee group of major winners Woods and Phil Mickelson, who were playing together in a major championship for only the second time.
”I’m in good shape, only one back,” Woods said. ”There’s a bunched leader board.”
Woods got an assist from a fan on his first hole when his tee shot sailed wide left and headed for the gallery. A spectator took it on the first hop, reached up and slapped it back towards the fairway.
”Hey, I appreciate it,” said Woods, who parred the 434-yard, par-four hole. ”It’s nice to have Shaq out there knocking them back.”
Woods finished his round with a flurry, pumping his right arm after sinking a 20-foot birdie putt on the final hole.
”I had really good pace on the greens,” he said. ”I felt like I hit the ball well after the first six holes and from there I controlled my flight.”
Defending champ Mickelson shot a one-under 71 and is tied for 18th in a group of seven at four-under 140.
Donald sank four birdies in Friday’s bogey-free round. ”I just played very consistently,” said Donald, who attended nearby Northwestern University. ”I had a good short game and hit good shots.”
Donald and Stenson are seeking to end Europe’s drought in major competitions. Europeans have been shut out in major championships since 1999 when Paul Lawrie won the British Open.
”This feels pretty good,” said the 30-year-old Stenson, who is ranked 17th in the world. ”I am happy with the way things are going. I put myself in a good position going into the weekend and I’m looking forward to the last two rounds.”
Stenson carded six birdies and appeared headed for an exemplary round before stumbling late with bogeys on holes 15 and 18.
A combination of windless conditions and soft greens made perfect conditions and an abundance of low scores on Thursday. The low scoring continued on Friday but the Chicago weather turned muggy for afternoon starters, such as Donald, Woods and Mickelson, who played through a steady drizzle. The rain was also forecast for Saturday.
”It was hot and humid and not the easiest conditions,” Donald said.
Stenson is seeking to become the first Swedish man to win a major. His previous best finish on the PGA Tour was a tie for third at the 2005 WGC-American Express Championship. ”I have been close a couple of times, so it would be great to get the first one. I am going to try my hardest on the weekend,” he said.
Reigning British Open champion Woods and Mickelson, who captured the 2006 Masters, have combined to win six of the last 11 majors.
They were grouped with reigning US Open champ Geoff Ogilvy, of Australia, who shot a four-under 68 and is tied with Woods and former PGA champ Davis Love (69) one stroke adrift of the leaders.
Mickelson is looking to successfully defend a major championship for the first time in his career, while Woods captured the first of his two PGA Championships in 1999 at Medinah.
”I fought hard the first two rounds and kept myself in,” Mickelson said.
First-round co-leader Chris Riley shot a even-par 72 to move two shots adrift of the clubhouse leaders. — Sapa-AFP