Degree of difficulty is high in Smith’s career-low 62

Cameron Smith birdied the difficult 17th and 18th holes at Harbour Town to shoot a nine-under 62, his career low on the PGA Tour, and take a one-shot lead over Stewart Cink at the RBC Heritage on Thursday.

Cink finished his 63 around lunchtime and no one beat that score in overcast, breezier afternoon conditions in Hilton Head, S.C. Yet Smith played his best down the challenging stretch.

The Australian chipped in for birdie on the par-three 17th, then stuck his approach to the lighthouse finishing hole within five feet to take the lead. Smith surpassed his previous low of 63, accomplished three times on tour.

Saso cards 64 again Yuka Saso shot her second consecutive eightunder 64 to take a two-shot lead over surging Lydia Ko after two rounds of the Lotte Championship in Kapolei, Hawaii.

Saso, who’s playing on a sponsor’s exemption, made seven birdies in her first 10 holes to catch Ko, who shot 63 earlier. Saso, 19, from the Philippines, then birdied the 16th and 17th holes to reach 16 under. Her best previous LPGA score was 69.