Scott leads on both counts in Atlanta
BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2011 PGA Tour Championship | Round Two | 24 Sep 2011
Adam Scott has taken the lead in both the Tour Championship and the race for the FedEx Cup with a stunning fightback on day two of the Tour Championship at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta.
Scott, a former winner of this event, was struggling to stay in touch when he bogeyed three of his first six holes but then reeled off seven birdies in his last twelve holes including those at the 17th and 18th to finish with a round of 65 and take a one shot lead over K.J. Choi.
Scott now has the lead in the race for the US$10 million bonus, although even if he does hang on to win this particular event the final result will depend on how other fare. The volatility in the Playoffs is highlighted by the fact that Scott has improved from 19th starting this event to be now in first position.
“Yeah, great finish for the day,” said Scott after his round. “I felt overall I played well, but there was some sloppy stuff early on and managed to put it all back together, so I was happy with that after a poor start, but in great shape with two days to go. I’m very pleased with what I’ve done so far.
“I’ve got to win, and I imagine Webb must have to finish pretty lowly to give me a chance,” added Scott referring to his chances of taking out the huge first prize bonus. “Yeah, that’s all I know. I don’t know anything past that. I just figured if I win this week, I’ll be happy no matter what. I’ll finish what I think has been a really good season, moving in the right direction with everything, and look forward to next season. I couldn’t wait for it to start if I were to win this week.”
Jason Day recovered from an ordinary week last week to take a share of the lead at one stage today and will head into the weekend in a share of 3rd position just two behind his playing partner today Scott.
“No, I’m not going to try and think about it at all,” said Day when asked about the thoughts of the massive bonus. “First things first, you have to win the tournament. If you win the tournament, you have a good chance of winning the $10 million, the FedExCup. What I’m trying to focus on right now is just go hit some balls on the range this afternoon and not worry about it at all.”
Day shares third position with the world number one Luke Donald who is looking ominous given his consistency and that he finished runner-up here last year.
“You know, I was very happy with the score, said Donald. "I didn’t hit the ball quite as solidly today, and I didn’t quite have as much control as I did yesterday. But you’re not going to hit it perfectly for 72 holes.
“There’s going to be days when you’re going to have to really fight and have some good short game to get you out of some trouble, and that kind of was the case for today. It was just a little bit off, but it was really sharp around the greens, and 2-under really kept me in a great position.”
Geoff Ogilvy and Aaron Baddeley share 10th position, Baddeley keeping his hopes of Presidents Cup berth alive.
Vijay Singh who might yet battle Baddeley for one of the remaining Captain’s picks for Royal Melbourne recovered today with a round of 67 to retain his chances.
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