Retief Goosen made one bogey in his Friday round at the Copperhead course at Innisbrook Resort to share sixth place heading into the weekend of the Valspar Championship.
The two-time US Open champ has won the Valspar twice and this week carded a second-round 69 to move within two shots of midway leaders Steve Stricker and Will MacKenzie.
The tough layout of Copperhead favours good putters and Goosen is up there with the best, which has enabled him to reach three-under-par for the tournament after two rounds.
Also looming was Charl Schwartzel, who shot 70 on Friday for a rise to tied -15th. The 2011 Masters champ was featured in the March edition of Compleat Golfer magazine and said he’s ‘rediscovered his love for the game’ in a long break over the festive season.
His recent victory at the Tshwane Open and tie for 17th at the WGC-Cadillac Championship are indicators that his game is on top form, making the 32-year-old an outside threat for this week’s title.
Stricker, who is renowned for his skill on the green, enjoyed his return to a difficult course and led on seven-under-par.
‘It’s something that we don’t see very, very much out here on Tour. Tight, narrow tree-lined fairways, tough conditions. Yeah, it’s fun to play. It’s challenging, very challenging,’ he said.
