Poston shoots bogey-free 66 for second round lead at Barbasol

J.T. Poston shot a bogeyfree 6-under 66 on Friday to take the second-round lead in the PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship at Nicholasville, Ky.

Poston had a 13-under 131 total at rain-soaked Keene Trace in the tournament that was delayed twice Thursday because of rain and lightning. Because of the wet conditions, players were allowed to use preferred lies in the fairways.

“It’s been really good,” Poston said. “Just ball-striking’s been a lot better than I’d say it has been the last few months. Just nice to give myself a lot of looks. They’re bent greens, it’s soft. Hit the ball close to the hole and you can make a few putts, too.”

Poston had late birdies on the par-4 seventh and par-5 eighth in the round that began on No. 10. The 28-year -old former Western Carolina University player won the 2019 Wyndham Championship in Greensboro for his lone PGA Tour title.

He’s comfortable on Keene Trace’s greens.

“They’re a lot like what I grew up on in Hickory, North Carolina,” Poston said. “They’re bent and they’re about the same speed as what I’m probably used to when I was a kid. Just kind of brings back some good memories of putting on that putting green growing up. It just feels normal to me.”

Ryan Armour and Joseph Bramlett were a stroke back, each shooting 67.

“It was softer today,” Armour said. “Definitely that rain yesterday afternoon, the two rain delays we had, I was not getting any bounce on the driver, it was kind of hit and plug, which I would love it if it would bounce a little more, the length I hit it, but I’m still able to get to three of the par 5s, which is good for me.”

Brian Stuard, tied for the first-round lead after a 64, shot a 69 to drop into a tie for fourth at 11 under with Taylor Pendrith (68), Luke List (68) and Seamus Power (68).

Defending champs rise

Defending champions Cydney Clanton and Jasmine Suwannapura shot a bogey-free 5-under 65 in alternate-shotplay at Midland, Mich., to take a share of the lead into the final round of the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational. Pajaree Anannarukarn and Aditi Ashok had a bogey-free 67 to match Clanton and Suwannapura at 15-under 195 at windy Midland Country Club. The teams will close Saturday with a best-ball round. “Because today was just so windy, it wasn’t easy at all today,” said Suwannapura. “I’m glad that me and Cyd is very patient.” She made birdie putts on the final two holes.