BOCA RATON, Fla. – Darren Clarke took the 18th hole (par 5) for a 10-under-62 year old on Saturday and a share of the lead in the second round of the PGA TOUR Champions TimberTech Championship.
The 52-year-old major champion from Northern Ireland, who did not win the PGA TOUR Champions, had eight birdies in the bogey round on the Old Course in Broken Sound.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow,” said Clarke. “Maybe one day I’ll have one. Unfortunately this is my last tournament with my S-10 Visa situation. I can’t play Phoenix next week. Let’s hope I end the year strong. “
Robert Karlsson of Sweden screwed 18th for a 66 to match Clarke at 13 under 131.
“When you play in the PGA TOUR Champions, the score is always very, very low and very high,” said Karlsson. “I try not to get too involved in playing my own game and I can.” It’s a strange feeling to play without the crowds. In some ways, it’s not that much different. I’ll just try to treat it as a normal day and go out there and try and shoot as deep as I can. “
Clarke overcame a one-shot penalty for picking up his ball on the second fairway, forgetting preferred lies were not allowed in wet conditions.
“First hole, good. The second hole in the middle of the fairway marked it and saved it. Oops, ”said Clarke. “One-shot penalty immediately. Anyway, hit it over the back of the green and enter it for par. “
He set the closing eagle up at 3 feet with an 8 iron.
Jim Furyk was a blow back after 68. Furyk, 50, won his first two starts at the PGA TOUR Champions this year.
Local favorite Bernhard Langer, the 2010 and 2019 winner, had a 68 to join Cameron Beckman, 66, Kent Jones (66) and Scott Parel (68) with 11 under.
“It’s nice to be on the hunt, nice to see my name up there in the rankings and not too far back,” said the 63-year-old Langer. “It’s going to be very different this year than in the past. Where it used to be firm and bouncy and shorter, this year it’s a lot longer, so I’m fighting a little more with the par 5. I can’t reach them like long hitters. “
John Daly, who took the lead after a 64 with Furyk on the first round, had a 73 to score a draw under 20 at 7am. Daly is playing his fourth event since he revealed he was battling bladder cancer.
