In the second round of the Cognizant Classic, Shane Lowry responded to yesterday’s struggles with a 4-under 67 to move within six strokes, while Austin Smotherman (11-under) remained in the lead with a 69.
After shooting a career-best 9-under 62 yesterday, Smotherman hit back-to-back bogeys on the back nine and Taylor Moore shot a 67 for the second time in as many days, cutting the American’s lead to three.
However, the story of the day was AJ Ewart, who shot a career-low 7-under 64 to come within four strokes of Smotherman, while Brooks Koepka regained his form with a 5-under 66 and moved back up the rankings.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Wayne Riley wears a bear costume to explain why the Cognizant Classic’s “Bear Trap” is so difficult for even the most experienced golfer.
“If you’re here to get a bad grade, you’re probably done,” said Koepka, a five-time major champion. He returns to the PGA Tour after a hiatus with LIV Golf.
“I hit it pretty bad today, my drive wasn’t that good. My iron play wasn’t that great, but my putter was better.
“I made some adjustments after yesterday’s round. I’m just going to play like I did the first day and putt like I did today. I feel like I’m going to putt better.”
“I’m happy to see the red numbers.”
Aaron Rye dropped to five under with a 69, including a bogey on No. 17, but remains the highest-ranked British player in Palm Beach at the moment.
Irishman Seamus Power had a great second round, posting a 67 to head into the weekend at four under.
Book your round at the best price on one of our 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland
“To be honest, I didn’t really play great, but my short game was great, I scrambled, I hung on really well and made some putts,” Power said.
“It’s a tough golf course. You can’t be comfortable on any stage. I think that’s the thing about this place. It’s a hole that doesn’t look that tough on the scorecard, but there’s a crosswind and this and that and if you miss that, it’s very, very tricky.”
“It’s a really good layout for that. The next two and a half days will test everyone. But I’m happy to be under par and obviously I’m happy to get in there even though I need two more good rounds over the weekend.”
Day 3 of the Cognizant Classic has been postponed due to rain and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf from 3pm. Get Sky Sports now or stream without a contract
