DEFENDING CHAMPION BROOKS Koepka completed the lowest 36-hole showing in major golf history on Friday to seize a record seven-stroke lead after two rounds of the PGA Championship while Tiger Woods missed the cut.

Third-ranked Koepka, a runaway favorite to capture his fourth major title on Sunday, fired a five-under par 65 Friday at Bethpage Black to stand on 12-under 128.

The largest prior 36-hole PGA lead had been Zimbabwean Nick Price’s five-shot edge in 1994, but Koepka was disappointed in two bogeys that cost him an even bigger stranglehold.

“Today was a battle. I was fighting,” Koepka said. “I feel good, especially the way I battled today. I fought hard. I feel great. Just need to continue on the weekend.”

The lowest prior halfway score in major golf history was 130, managed five times, including by American Gary Woodland at last year’s PGA.

Koepka, who set the course record with a 63 on Thursday, birdied three of the first four holes and four of the last six Friday to complete the most overpowering start even seen in major golf.

“I’m still putting very well,” he said. “I’m still hitting my lines and reading my putts very well.”

Woods struggled in his first event since ending an 11-year major win drought by capturing last month’s Masters for his 15th major title.

“Just didn’t quite have it,” Woods said after firing a 73 to stand on 145, one over the cut line. “Did a lot of little things wrong.

“There’s no reason I can’t get up to speed and start cranking it back up again. I’ve got to start feeling better first.”

American Jordan Spieth, trying to win to complete a career Grand Slam, and Australia’s Adam Scott shared second on 135.

Spieth, who hasn’t had a top-20 finish all year and hasn’t won since the 2017 British Open, shot 66 while Scott fired a 64, a bogey at the par-3 17th costing him a share of the course record.

Matt Wallace, trying to become the first Englishman to win the PGA since Jim Barnes in 1919, shared fourth on 136 with Americans Kelly Kraft, Luke List, Daniel Berger and Dustin Johnson. Second-ranked Justin Rose of England was ninth on 137.

Koepka is on course to defend his title. Rich Graessle Rich Graessle

World number one Johnson is in danger of losing the top spot to Koepka, a 29-year-old American who could become the first golfer to own back-to-back titles at two majors at the same time.

Koepka goes for a third consecutive US Open title next month at Pebble Beach.

Scott flirted with the all-time major low round of 62 set by South African Branden Grace at the 2017 British Open, but lipped out a short par putt at 17.

“I played fairly solid. It was nice to keep momentum going,” Scott said. “It was nice to post a number but it looks like I’ll have to post two more pretty good numbers at this stage.”

Spieth has developed faith in his swing after months of uncetainty.

“Confidence has been there,” Spieth said. “I figured if I stayed out of my own way, stick to one thought, (my game) was in good enough shape to contend.”

Spieth could become only the sixth golfer to win each of the four majors at least once, joining Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan.

“I haven’t been in contention since the (British) Open last year,” Spieth said. “If I put in some good work tomorrow I’ll be in contention on Sunday.”

But he isn’t counting on Koepka backing up.

“You don’t expect Brooks to fall at all,” Spieth said. “I felt like I had to be within six or seven going into the weekend.”

Johnson, whose only major title came at the 2016 US Open, reeled off five birdies in seven holes in one stretch.

“I’m pleased with the score and pleased with how I played,” said Johnson. “I’m going to need to play the next two days the way I’ve played the first two days.”

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy was one inside the cut line on 143, among 82 to reach the weekend.

Those missing the cut besides Woods included Spain’s Jon Rahm on 145 and cart-aided John Daly, who went 75-76.

© – AFP 2019

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