Daniel Berger shot a flawless 64 at TPC Southwind on Friday to garner a three-shot lead heading into the weekend of the FedEx St. Jude Classic.
The world number 46 stole the show with his impeccable round (a season best for the youngster), despite playing with new woods after his old clubs cracked last week.
‘It was a pretty easy adjustment,’ Berger said. ‘The TaylorMade guys have been great and they found me a quick replacement, and I just got up there and started whacking it … right down the middle. I think that’s all you can ask for when you get a new driver in your hands.’
On Friday the 23-year-old avoided bogeys at the par-70 layout and pencilled in three birdies on either side for a nine-under-par total at the halfway mark.
He set out a three-shot cushion over fellow American Tom Hoge, who shot rounds of 65 and 69 to make the weekend in sole second.
Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka each shot 65 in the second round to share third place alongside Dustin Johnson, with the household names showing good form ahead of next week’s major.
‘I’m very excited that I’m in contention, that I have a good opportunity heading into the weekend,’ Mickelson said. ‘I get to feel the pressure and excitement of having a chance to win, especially a week before the US Open.’
Likewise Retief Goosen, who carded 70 in the second round to share 15th place on three-under-par. The two-time US Open champ received a special invitation to play at Oakmont and is shaping up nicely.
Tyrone van Aswegen is adapting to the life of PGA Tour journeyman and made the weekend in a share of 24th on two-under-par, tied with the likes of Ben Crane and Harris English.
