WASHINGTON • While some top European golfers are already back home preparing for the British Open, David Lingmerth is making the most of his decision to play a familiar American course.
The Swede fired a bogey-free five-under 65 to grab a two-stroke lead over Australia's Geoff Ogilvy after Friday's second round of the PGA National, standing on 130 at TPC Potomac.
After birdies on four of his first six holes on Thursday helped him shoot 65 and seize the 18-hole lead, Lingmerth sizzled at the start again with birdies on three of the first five holes.
"I'm very pleased, but got a long way to go," he said. "Been in pretty good control of my game so far. Still 36 holes to go, so looking forward to the weekend. Everything's feeling really good."
Ogilvy, the 2006 US Open champion, shot 65 to stand second on 132 with American Daniel Summerhays (68) third on 134.
India's Arjun Atwal (67) and South Korean Kang Sung (69) were five adrift on 135. No one else was within six strokes of the lead.
Lingmerth is seeking his second PGA title after taking the 2015 Memorial. He has a good chance as several top players are already in Europe ahead of the British Open in three weeks.
The 29-year-old has not qualified for the tournament at Royal Birkdale but would take one of four spots on offer with a victory today.
"There's not necessarily a huge advantage of going over there (to Europe) this early," said Lingmerth. "A lot of guys like playing (the) Scottish Open the week before, which I think is a good idea, because links golf is a little different. So, getting acclimated to it a little bit sure doesn't hurt."
Ogilvy is seeking his ninth US PGA victory and 13th professional win overall. His last title came in 2014 at Reno, Nevada.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
PGA NATIONAL
Day 4: StarHub Ch204, Monday, 1am
