He only entered the FedEx St.Jude Classic in search of some good US Open momentum, now Charl Schwartzel is in a three-way tie for the lead at the halfway mark, writes WADE PRETORIUS.
Schwartzel made a fast start on Thursday. He was -4 after 6, but it was a four under 66 on Friday that has him firmly in contention in Memphis. Chez Reavie fired a bogey-free 65, with Colombian Sebastian Munoz (67) the other player tied at the top.
‘I’ve been putting well for a while,’ said Schwartzel. Players often say that, but without any concrete proof. Schwartzel has his as he is first in strokes gained on the green after sinking 220 feet worth of putts.
‘Just some weeks you see the lines better than other weeks. You know, this week I can really see the breaks well, and my speed’s good.’
Schwartzel’s tune-up is going well, ahead of next week’s Major in Wisconsin.
‘That’s the ultimate in our sport, it is to win majors and peak for those tournaments,’ he said. ‘Whichever way suits you to do that, this is what you must do.’
Retief Goosen, a two-time US Open winner, but who won’t be at Erin Hills next week, is tied for sixth after a second round 68 – he is just three off the lead.
What about Ernie Els? He arrived at the Classic with just four cuts made from 14 events and was well over par early on Thursday. His back nine recovery boosted his confidence and he safely made the weekend, after a 69 on Friday to sit at -3 after 36.
Tyrone Van Aswegen made the cut after a six-shot swing between his first and second rounds as his Friday 67 helped him sit level after two days, and ready to gain some valuable FedEx Cup points this weekend.
One South African who won’t be around this weekend, joining the likes of Rickie Fowler and Jim Furyk with some unwanted free time, is Rory Sabbatini. He shot a second round 80, which gave him no chance of sticking around a little longer in Memphis.
