'Hulk' DeChambeau's 8-under par storming shot "Instantly takes the lead"... 'Rival' Koepka in 2nd place

'Woods Host' Hero World Challenge Day 2: Morikawa and Finau Tie for 2nd, McIlroy Tied for 8th

'Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau is examining the putting line on the 3rd hole on the second day of the Hero World Challenge. Bahamas=Getty images/Multivitz

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "8-under par storm shots."

‘Hulk’ Bryson DeChambeau fired an 8-under par round on the second day of the Hero World Challenge (total prize money $3.5 million), a special event on the PGA Tour, held on the 4th (Korean time) at Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas (par 72, 7,309 yards), quickly taking over the top of the leaderboard with a total of 11-under par 133 strokes. His ‘archrivals’ Brooks Koepka, world No. 2 Collin Morikawa, and Tony Finau (all from the USA) are chasing closely in a tie for second place, just one stroke behind at 10-under par 134 strokes.

DeChambeau made 10 birdies (and 1 double bogey). He opened the scoring early with a birdie on the first hole (par 4), followed by consecutive birdies on holes 6 and 7, and two sets of three consecutive birdies on holes 9 to 11 and 13 to 15, gaining momentum. Hole 14 (par 4) was especially impressive as he drove the tee shot right up to the front of the green, easily securing a birdie with his tremendous power. Although a double bogey on hole 16 (par 4) was disappointing, he changed the mood with a birdie on the 17th hole (par 3) near the end.

Brooks Koepka is discussing the putting line with his caddie on the 18th hole of the second day at the Hero World Challenge. Bahamas=Getty Images/Multibits

It is interesting that Koepka and DeChambeau will clash again just one week after the ‘Capital One’s The Match V’ held on the 27th of last month at Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. Koepka won decisively by taking 4 of the 8 holes. Koepka’s chances of playing in the final day’s champion group with a 5-under par round on the second day have increased. DeChambeau expressed his determination, saying, "I want to play in the same group," and Koepka confidently responded, "I already proved I’m better last week."

Morikawa is dreaming of becoming world No. 1 with a win at this tournament, as Jon Rahm (Spain) is absent. Finau attracted even more spotlight by bringing billionaire Ryan Smith as a temporary caddie. Smith is the founder of the computer software company Qualtrics, owner of the NBA Utah Jazz, and has assets worth a staggering 1.77 trillion won. ‘CJ Cup champion’ Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) stumbled with a 1-under par round and remains tied for 8th place at 7-under par 137 strokes.