Justin Thomas maintains two-shot lead at RBC Heritage
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Justin Thomas plays a shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the RBC Heritage on April 18.
PHOTO: AFP
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MIAMI – Justin Thomas followed up his sizzling 61 with a two-under 69 on April 18 that was good enough to keep him two shots clear atop the leaderboard at the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
“The golf course felt completely different,” said the American, who is chasing his first victory since he claimed the second of his two PGA Championship titles in 2022.
“It’s definitely firming up. We even noticed it just kind of on some chips, the pitch shots, some wedges – shots that I hit very nicely, it’s not spinning as much. They’re getting crusty, and it’s fun.”
Thomas was even for the day after two birdies and two bogeys in the first 10 holes.
But the 31-year-old rolled in a 15-foot birdie putt at the 13th then birdied the par-five 15th to give himself a two-stroke cushion over South Korean Kim Si-woo and American Russell Henley through 36 holes of the US$20 million (S$26.2 million) signature event at Harbour Town Golf Links.
Kim produced the round of the day, firing an eagle and six birdies with just one bogey in a seven-under 64.
“It was a good round,” he said.
His best shot, he added, was his second at the par-five fifth, which “somehow” landed six feet from the pin to set him up for an eagle.
“I think that’s the start of momentum today,” said Kim, who is feeling extra motivated after failing to book a spot in the Masters.
“I got so frustrated last week watching the Masters. But somehow I’ve got to move on.”
Henley joined him on 10-under 132 with a three-under 68 that included four birdies.
American Andrew Novak posted a six-under 65 to share fourth on 133 with England’s Tommy Fleetwood, who signed for a 66.
World No. 1 and defending champion Scottie Scheffler was a further shot back after a one-under 70, tied with Canadian Mackenzie Hughes.
There is no 36-hole cut at the event. Among those struggling near the back of the 72-man field are Max Homa (even par), Sahith Theegala (one over), Will Zalatoris (three over), Canada’s Adam Hadwin (four over) and Nick Dunlap (seven over).
Theegala was the runner-up to Scheffler at this tournament last season.
For now, everyone is chasing Thomas, who also heaped praise on his new temporary caddie, Joe Greiner. Thomas’ regular caddie, Matt Minister, is sidelined with a back injury.
“We’ve had a lot of fun,” he said.
“He knows I’m playing well, and he knows that I feel the same way. So he’s wanting to help but also trying to not over-caddie, and it’s tough. But he’s doing a great job.” AFP, REUTERS
