PALM BEACH GARDENS (Fla.) — The Honda Classic has been home to approximately 7,200 rounds since its 17-year-old move to PGA National.
Only two of them were better than Fridays. Chris Kirk.
Kirk shot an 8 under 62 in round two, which moved him to 9 under for this week and 1 shot behind Justin Suh(64) at tournaments midway point. Kirk made six birdies and an eagle, hitting 16 greens with no wind and scoring six birdies — a rarity at PGA National.
Kirk stated that usually, were playing to 15-, 20+ yards of hurt going in the wind shots and 15, 20, yards of help on the downwind shots. It can be really difficult to get those just the right when it is really windy. Today was very windy, so it became a bit more target practice.
Suh had four consecutive birdies at holes 8 through 11. He putted putts from 5, 15 and 25 feet, respectively, to record a total of 10-under 130.
Suh stated that I believe weve been trending towards the right direction. Every week, I have been improving and only a few spots, and its gratifying to see the progress pay off.
There was no shortage in players who took dead aim. Ryan Gerard(63) Ben Taylor(65) were tied third at 8 under Ben Martin (64), Eric Cole(66). Brice Garnett(64) were all another shot back.
Anything around here that is around that par or lower, you cant get too upset about, stated the U.S. Ryder Cup captain. Zach JohnsonThe 47-year-old celebrated his birthday with a 67 to make it to 5 under for this week.
Gerard qualified on Monday. This is his second PGA Tour event and his first time making the cut.
Gerard stated, I wouldn’t want to do anything else. This has been my dream since I was a kid, just playing PGA Tour tournaments. Im still on my way, have not officially made it yet but I really enjoy playing golf. Its all I love about it. I love the challenge. I love challenging myself. I love playing against the best and seeing how I stack up.
Shane LowryHis second consecutive 68 was highlighted by a 57-foot birdie on the par-3 17th. His ball stayed on line even after it rolled over another players coin.
Two players on the cut-line couldnt finish their second rounds due to darkness. Brett DrewittAfter two shots on the par-5 18,th, there were 112 yards left. Pierceson CoodyThey did not play the 9th par-4. They will both be able to play the par-4 9th. Bogey or worse will prevent them from making it to the weekend.
They were due to resume their rounds Saturday morning.
DIVOTS: The Hondas only sub-62 round since it was moved to PGA National, came from Brian Harman(2012) Matt Jones (2021). Tiger WoodsHad a final round of 62 at PGA National in 2012 and finished tied for 2nd. Rory McIlroy. … Kyle StanleyHit his tee shot at the par-3 15th, hit a drop, and then holed out with a wedge 95 yards for par. … Jhonattan VegasHe tapped in for birdie 18 and was able to make the cut on the number at 1-over 1401. … Defending champion Sepp StrakaHe had 16 pars and two birdies Friday. Hes 3 under. … Joseph Bramlett Billy HorschelBoth shot 65 on Thursday to tie the lead; both shot 72 on Friday.
