Bittersweet return for Woods
TIGER WOODS finished off his interrupted second round in the US PGA Championship by signing for his lowest score in the event for 11 years yesterday. But if ever a 66 in a major came with a tinge of disappointment, it was this one. Woods was three under par and flying on Friday when the storms came to wash out play. Yesterday the putting stroke that was so effective on Friday eluded him. After a front nine played in 31 came a back nine of 35 to leave him six strokes off the pace set by fellow American Gary Woodland.
By contrast, playing partners Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy struggled on Friday and were grateful for a break. Defending champion Thomas picked up four shots on the back nine yesterday and moved two nearer the lead than Woods with a 65. As for McIlroy, he hit just one of his last six greens in regulation but still picked up two shots. His 67 left him seven shots adrift.
The only player to threaten the lead in the morning was Rickie Fowler, who signed for a 68 to be two shots behind.
The best round of the morning came from Irishman Shane Lowry, who carded a 64 to move alongside Thomas Pieters as the leading European in a tie for fifth. After opening with a 67, Ian Poulter lost ground with a 70.