Share

Munoz extends Greenbrier Classic lead

Washington, July 7, 2017 (AFP) -Sebastian Munoz, his sights on a first US PGA Tour title, stretched his lead at the Greenbrier Classic to three shots on Friday with a second-round 67.

Munoz couldn't match his stellar 61 of Thursday, but he sorted out some early troubles off the tee to counter two bogeys with five birdies as he moved to 12-under 128 for the tournament.

"I think it was a good round," the 24-year-old Colombian said. "I missed more fairways than yesterday, I was out of position more. So it just took a little more effort to get those birdies, to have easy par putts.

"Today I made a lot of clutch putts to keep the momentum going."

American Hudson Swafford had four birdies in a four-under 66 to join Ben Martin (67) in second place on 131.

Swafford is looking for a second title of the season after claiming his first career victory at La Quinta, California, in January.

Russell Henley had seven birdies in a six-under 64 to join a trio on 132 that also included 53-year-old Davis Love and New Zealand's Danny Lee.

Love, who trailed Munoz by two after the first round, carded a 69. Lee, who claimed his lone PGA Tour title to date in the 2015 Greenbrier Classic, carded a 68.

Lee is the defending champion this week, after deadly floods in the region forced last year's tournament to be cancelled.

Munoz teed off on 10 on the Old White TPC course at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and had four birdies in his first seven holes.

After bogeys at three and six, he added another birdie at the par-three seventh and said he had solved a problem with his tempo that affected his accuracy early in the round.

"I feel great," he said. "I feel like my putting's good, my chipping's good. My driver, I think I solved it -- so, excited."

Munoz held a share of the halfway lead at the St. Jude Classic in Memphis last month, but faded at the weekend to finish tied for 60th.

"I feel like Memphis taught me that maybe I was caring too much, trying to hit too many perfect shots all the time," Munoz said, adding that he'd use that experience this week.

Five-time major champion Phil Mickelson made the cut on the number at one-under par.

Making his first start since parting with longtime caddie Jim Mackay, Mickelson, with his brother Tim on his bag, had five bogeys and three birdies in a two-over 72.

He made the cut for the first time at the Greenbrier despite what he called "probably the two worst putting days I've had this year".

Those making the cut also included Chilean amateur Joaquin Niemann, who posted his second straight 68 for a share of 22nd place.

Leading second-round scores on Friday in the PGA Tour Greenbrier Classic at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia (USA unless noted, a-amateur, par-70):

128 - Sebastian Munoz (COL) 61-67

131 - Ben Martin 64-67, Hudson Swafford 65-66

132 - Danny Lee (NZL) 64-68, Russell Henley 68-64, Davis Love 63-69

133 - Jamie Lovemark 69-64, Kelly Kraft 67-66, Xander Schauffele 64-69, Nick Taylor (CAN) 64-69, Robert Streb 65-68

134 - Smylie Kaufman 68-66, David Hearn (CAN) 65-69, Nick Watney 70-64, Graham DeLaet (CAN) 64-70

135 - Tony Finau 69-66, James Hahn 71-64, Brian Campbell 68-67, Patrick Reed 66-69, Ryan Blaum 68-67, Jonathan Randolph 67-68

136 - Ted Potter 68-68, J.J. Henry 69-67, Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) 69-67, Bubba Watson 69-67, Camilo Villegas (COL) 68-68, Kevin Streelman 67-69, Matt Jones (AUS) 66-70, Scott Stallings 67-69, a-Joaquin Niemann (CHI) 68-68, Bryson DeChambeau 70-66, Mark Anderson 68-68

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1162 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1357 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2067 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE