KAPALUA (Hawaii) — He was defeated last year for the first-time in his young career. Collin MorikawaHe acts as if he wants that to be over soon.
Morikawa was well-tuned with his irons and took advantage of some scoring holes in his second round Friday to shoot a 7-under-66, giving him a two shot lead in the Sentry Tournament of Champions.
He was at 16-under 130 with no bogeys and played two rounds on the Plantation Course at Kapalua.
Masters champion Scottie SchefflerThe U.S. Open champion had a great time on the first tee. Matt FitzpatrickHe then made nine birdies in his round of 64, leaving him with two shots to spare along with Kapaluas newcomer. J.J. Spaun (68).
Scheffler can make a comeback to No. Scheffler can return to No. 1 in the world this week. There is a tie for third at best Rory McIlroyYou can choose to stay home this week.
Jordan SpiethHe had two eagles, one with a 7-iron just inches from an albatross on par-5s fifth hole. The other was a 66. He was three shots behind.
Morikawa would not normally be at Kapalua to celebrate the winners-only start of the year. In an effort to bring together top plays more often, PGA Tour expanded its field from just winners in 2022 to include those who reached East Lakes FedEx Cup final.
Morikawa shared an 18-hole lead with six consecutive birdies in the back nine. He did most of the damage early on a beautiful Friday afternoon on Maui. It began with a 20-foot birdie on the opening hole. Then came short irons to 3 and 8 feet.
Everyone else did well to keep up with the pace.
Scheffler was introduced on a first tee, with a mention about all four of his wins last season, from the WM Phoenix Open and the Masters. Next up was Fitzpatrick. He beat Scheffler by just one shot at Brookline. He was then introduced as the U.S. Open champ.
Fitzpatrick laughed and said, You don’t have that one.
Scoring was so low that only two players were at or above par Billy Horschel(71) Chad Ramey (76) were 2 over.
Morikawa had the chance to tie the 36-hole scoring records. Cameron SmithLast years record was 17-under 129. He was just off of the 18th fairway when he mishandled his chip. It ran out to only 30 yards and his long birdie putt hit the lip.
It doesnt matter. He was still in the lead, his first appearance with at least a part of the 36-hole lead after the U.S. Open last year.