8-Under in CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2nd Round
Spectacular Birdie Performance Despite Heavy Rain and Lightning Suspension
Sungjae Im in 16th, Siwoo Kim 26th, Tom Kim 62nd
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (USA) maintained his lead for a second consecutive day despite inclement weather conditions.
On May 2 (local time), at TPC Craig Ranch (par 71, 7,569 yards) in McKinney, near Dallas, Texas, Scheffler shot an 8-under-par 63 in the second round of the PGA Tour CJ Cup Byron Nelson (total prize money $9.9 million), keeping his place at the top of the leaderboard with an 18-under-par total of 124. He finished a remarkable six strokes ahead of second-place Sam Stevens (USA), who posted a 12-under-par 130. Due to heavy rain and lightning, play was suspended and many players were unable to complete their rounds. The remaining holes of the second round and the third round are scheduled to be played on May 3.
Scottie Scheffler is teeing off at the 8th hole during the second round of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. McKinney, USA - AFP Yonhap News Photo by AFP
Scheffler started the day with a two-shot lead and collected one eagle and six birdies. Beginning on the 10th hole (par 4), he made par on his first eight holes before carding an eagle on the 18th (par 5). After a six-hour weather delay, he returned to the course and made back-to-back birdies on holes 1 and 2, three consecutive birdies from holes 5 to 7, and finished his round on a high note with a bunker shot birdie on the final 9th hole (par 5).
He impressed with an average driving distance of 305.10 yards and a fairway hit rate of 83.33%. His scrambling ability?saving par or better after missing the green?was a perfect 100%. Since winning the Tour Championship in September last year, Scheffler is now aiming for his 14th career victory.
Scheffler said, "During the suspension, I went to the players' dining area and ate a lot of food. I spent time sitting and eating with other players and chatting, but nothing special happened. I feel good. I played well over the last two days and am very satisfied with my game overall. It feels great. I’ll go home, get some rest, and prepare for tomorrow." He added, "I think my game is heading in the right direction. I’ve been playing well in recent tournaments and have played pretty steady golf overall. So I definitely think my game is moving in a good direction."
Sungjae Im is reading the green on the 7th hole during the second round of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. McKinney, USA - Photo by AFP Yonhap News
Among Korean players, Sungjae Im stood out the most. He added a 3-under-par 68 to sit tied for 16th at 7-under-par 135. Im said, "It was mentally tough waiting, but I managed my condition well during the six-hour delay. I was able to finish on a positive note with timely birdies on the back nine." He continued, "If I focus on making as many birdies as possible in the remaining rounds without worrying about the leaders, I think my score will improve. I’ll work hard over the weekend to move up the leaderboard."
Siwoo Kim shot a 2-under-par to reach 6-under-par 136, tied for 26th with Jordan Spieth (USA) and others at the halfway point. Kim said, "I didn’t make as many birdies as I expected. Over the next two days, I want to play more aggressively and reduce my score without feeling too much pressure." Tom Kim carded a 5-under-par 66 to move up to a tie for 62nd at 4-under-par 138. Byeonghun An was 4-under-par after reducing one stroke through the 6th hole. Choi Seungbin, winner of the 2023 KPGA Championship and invited by CJ, finished tied for 150th at 4-over-par 146.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
