Haotong Li leads the PGA championship with Brooks Koepka within two minutes

But the world number 114 took it all when asked for his thoughts on it. A quick “I don’t know. Who knows?” took care of that particular question!

Instead, it’s his golf that he prefers to let it speak.

After 36 holes in the Golden State, he’s on a level under eight, but with a whole bunch of players breathing his throat down – including the formidable American star Brooks Koepka, who wants to win this event for the third year in a row.

Not that Li is putting pressure on himself. In fact, he seems almost as surprised as anyone else who points the way, even admitting he has little confidence in the tournament after poor recent form and forced shutdown. “I don’t actually have any expectations because you know the last couple.” Stay home for months and do nothing. I just want to be out here and have fun. “

It’s not all fun though. Hours of hard transplant also play a role. Li was obviously not satisfied with resting on his laurels after finishing his second lap shortly after 12 noon local time.

While taking a lunch break and at least getting some rest, the Chinese star was back on course to practice, apparently working on his irons and tweaking his putting until about seven-thirty – video that Social media quickly amazes!

Li, who shot a sensational round of 63 during the 2017 Open Championship in Royal Birkdale, has earned the respect of his colleagues, even if there is still room for improvement.

His teammate at last year’s Presidents Cup in Melbourne, Adam Scott, said, “We don’t see that kind of consistency in him and that probably fits his personality a bit. He’s young though and that’s the kind of golf he plays. He plays a lot. All the guns are on fire and when it starts it’s really good. “

Koepka shakes off the fear of injury

When Li has his sights set on his first big title, Brooks Koepka has his eye on number five. The 30-year-old, for whom the majors of golf are his elixir of life, is well below six after his second round of 68 on Friday.

He is one of six players just two shots away from the lead to become the first man to win the same major three times in a row since Peter Thomson triumphed at the Open from 1954 to 1956.

Of some importance to the powerhouse American, however, may be the treatment of a sore hip, which he needed from his physical therapist three times over the past nine years, although Koepka later clarified that the problem was not related to previous problems with his left knee.

The US star was quick to downplay any perceived sign of weakness, saying the hip was “okay”. He added: “It was a little tight when I hit balls on the track but there is nothing to worry about. We will loosen it up.” again and it will be a lot better. “

If Koepka is lurking on purpose, that can’t be said for his compatriot and 15-time main champion Tiger Woods, who is on par with the tournament after a two-over-par 72.

Woods, who will turn 45 later this year, is aiming for a record-breaking fifth PGA championship crown and an 83rd PGA Tour record win to outdo Sam Snead forever.

On Thursday, the former world number one started with his lowest opening round in a major since 2012, but failed to build on that momentum after an extremely frustrating Friday with his putter and will go into the third round on Saturday behind Haotong Li.

His play partners in a marquee trio, Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, number 1 in the new world, are also struggling to make an impression. McIlroy lined up four straight birdies to threaten charges that were halted on the 12th by a triple bogey en route to a 69 and an under under.

Thomas, who won the WGC event last weekend to secure first place in the leaderboard, made it to the cut-line of one-over-par after 70, just like Phil Mickelson.