Patrick Reed did not deliver his best performance in the second round of the United States Open on Friday at Winged Foot. His brilliance around the greens and his tenacity rewarded him on the other hand. He grabbed the head in very different conditions from the day before.
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Even if the American was satisfied with the par, a very respectable 70 card given the sustained winds and the more complex configuration of Mamaroneck’s course, he is installed in the driver’s seat thanks to his cumulative record of – 4.
Less precise with his big mallet, Reed got away from it all by delivering a real short game clinic. With a few exceptions, everything smiled on him from the tall fardoche around the greens and in the sand pits. And once on the surface, his putter completed the job as a weapon of mass destruction.
Twenty-five wraps were enough. On such fast and formidable greens, it is a genius. With an average of 1.39 rolls per green after 36 holes, he is unsurprisingly leading the field in this area.
“I was more elusive from the tees, but I felt I was still in a good position to reach the greens or approach them from the long grass so that I could save pars with my short game,” said the one. which only hit 50% of the greens in regular shots.
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Justin Thomas, who fell to third place on Friday, takes off under the gaze of Tiger Woods who could not escape the cup.
By dint of the stake
By accumulating three bogeys in the first leg, Reed saw that he would not offer his best performance. But he knew how to navigate by rapailling all the elements of his game. He compensated for his five bogeys with five sparrows.
“Signing a 70 card on such a day is very positive. It is also promising for the weekend, testified the one who adores the stake to make his way to the leader board. I like it when the challenge is tough and you have to be creative with all the sticks in your bag. “
Heading into this third round, Reed has a short one-shot priority over fellow American Bryson DeChambeau, who made the best card of the day under a 68 (-2). The two golfers will therefore be reunited in the last group starting at 2:25 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.
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PGA Veteran Golfer Phil Mickelson observes where his ball ended up on the second hole. Sadly, another who saw his tournament end on Friday.
Different style
The “Mad Scientist” had surprised the gallery on the sidelines of the championship when he had delivered his strategy. Without restraint, he would release his monstrous kraken, his starting wood, at every opportunity from the mounds.
A tactic that seems to be paying off since it shows a 50% accuracy rate since the milestones. On Friday, DeChambeau immediately responded to four of his five bugs with birdies. He also inscribed an eagle on the final flag.
“It’s important to keep up the pace. I need it to play well, especially in the US Open. I managed to do it, ”explained with confidence the one who also stands out for his irons at Winged Foot. With his Herculean power, he rarely grabs his long irons on this 7477-yard course …
“My strategy is to hit as hard as I can with my driver because I can take advantage of it on several holes. However, you have to strike with precision. If the ball wanders all over the place, the chances of birdies from long grass are rarer. “
Leader after the first round, Justin Thomas fell to third place with a card of 73 (+3). With a cumulative of -2, he shares it with Rafa Cabrera Bello and Harris English. According to him, nothing is lost, especially on a similar course.
Canadians Adam Hadwin and Taylor Pendrith occupy 33e rank at +5.
Lefty’s last lap?
The chopper fell to +6, and sidelined Canadians Corey Conners (71-76) and Mackenzie Hughes (72-76) from the final rounds. Defending champion Gary Woodland, Justin Rose and Phil Mickelson suffered the same fate.
In Lefty’s case, one wonders if he did not make his last lap at the American Open. The 50-year-old will have to work hard to secure his presence next year at Torrey Pines thanks to the exemptions granted. Certainly, he has already mentioned that he will not accept any preferential treatment.
Disappointed with his performance at +13, the one who finished second six times sees his dream of completing the Grand Slam go up in smoke.
