If things do change, sometimes, they stay the same. In the case of the PGA Tour, one thing hasn’t changed: going low, then staying there, is mighty difficult. Four rounds of 63 or better were posted on Thursday. On Friday, all four golfers soared to 68 or higher. 68 and 69 aren’t bad scores, but they don’t serve to separate a golfer from the field. Their purpose is to keep the golfer in the midst of the fray, with the anticipation that another of those low numbers will return, on Saturday or Sunday. One golfer did manage to follow a 64 with a 63, and that’s the reason that he finds himself in first place after 36 holes. We did learn five things on Friday at the Travelers Championship, and it is our pleasure to share them with you.
1. Let’s begin with Phil
Philip Alfred Mickelson is six feet three inches tall, and just turned 50 years of age. He is in the best shape of his adult life, and has no desire to join the next tour just yet. There can be no doubt that he wishes for one more victory, and that it be a US Open. To come at Winged Foot, where he once came agonizingly close, would be too much to ask. For now, he desires to prepare himself for that fall weekend in September. His work at TPC River Highlands has been stellar, and has granted him a lead of a single shot. Mickelson rests at 13-under par, with a solitary bogey standing between him and perfection. He followed that second-hole plus-one on Friday with eight birdies over the next 16 holes. His driving has been long and accurate enough, according to statistics. As for the money categories, he is firing on both cylinders. Mickelson has given himself a birdie putt on over 80 percent of holes played, and putted extremely well. Can phifty-year old Phil keep it up? We shall find out on Saturday, when he pegs his pelota with…
2. Gordon & Hughes …
should probably have an LLC or a pair of esquire after it. Will Gordon is the type of player that the Travelers loves. He is a recent graduate of a division 1 school, with a golfing pedigree that makes aficionados envious. Gordon matriculated at Vanderbilt, and earned first-team All-American status. His Friday round tied for low of the day, a 62 matched only by Brendan Steele, who sits close by, in a tie for 4th. Gordon was out in minus-three, and returned home in minus-five. Like Mickelson, he had one bogey on Friday, else a 61 might have tied him at the top. As for Hughes, a one-time winner on tour (four years back, at the RSM Classic), his return toward the top has been slowed by second-guessing and awareness. What matters is, he tees off today in the final group. No one could have expected the Canadian pride to match his back-nine 29 from Thursday, and he did not. Hughes came home in 34 on Friday, with one birdie and eight pars on the card.
Hughes and Gordon have the difficult task of keeping up with Phil Mickelson, yet not focusing solely on the lefthander. Plenty of hungry, birdie machines lie in pursuit, and will seize every opportunity to steam past the final trio, into the lead.
3. McIlroy
This day will be an important one for the north Ulsterman. His talent is immeasurable, comparisons with the greatest of the greats are inevitable, and McIlroy underperforms when he should not. He opened with 63, and lurched to a 68 on Friday. As noted above, not a bad round. However, pay attention to the pair of par-three bogeys that he made on the outward nine. Give a pro the opportunity to tee the ball up to his liking, and the chance to putt for birdie should be realistic, if not guaranteed. At the fifth, he played to 45 feet and three-putted. At the eighth, he played to the water, and showed grit in making a 16-feet putt for bogey. McIlroy needs to be in command of all of his skills. Saturday will reveal if this is the case.
4. Ancer to answer?
It would be easy to write about Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, and Xander Schauffele. Each has earned our attention, and follow them we shall. It is Abraham Ancer who deserves our focus, at least for these few minutes. His quiet confidence, his desire to immerse himself in the heat of the cauldron, is enviable. Many think that they want this, but shy away from total immersion. Ancer had an ace in round one, at the 16th, and has posted four bogies over two days. Nothing says that this is the guy, except for his downward trend. He had 67 on day one, followed by 65 on day two. He will need a 63 on day three, and some help from those with the advantage. Keep an eye on the Presidents Cup surprise of 2019.
5. Prediction Time
Most likely to make an early run: Viktor Hovland. It’s his style. If he closes as well, he’ll be in the final group on Sunday.
Most likely to make a Saturday exit: Dustin Johnson. His focus is not there yet, not razor sharp, like it was in the mid-2010s.
Most likely to sneak into the final threesome: Brendan Steele. Also, in his nature. A quiet assassin.
Most likely to paint the round for what it was: Bryson DeChambeau. Until someone takes the title, he is the best interview on tour. Honest and well-spoken.
Most likely to take massively-deep breaths: Jon Rahm. Working on composure. Has a barrel chest and still has the look of frustration
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