Brandon Stone is ready to push forward after playing his way into his first PGA Championship weekend, writes WADE PRETORIUS.
A Friday 68 helped Stone to -6 for the championship and a late start on Saturday.
Playing in the second group of the day, the young South African relied on a red-hot putter to head out in -2. Stone made over 50 feet’s worth of putts on his outward nine as he looked to build on his excellent first-round showing.
Starting on the 10th, it was a run of pars before birdies at the 16th – thanks to a 22-foot putt for a two – and the 17th, courtesy of a regulation par-five birdie, the highlights.
A bogey to start his inward nine did not derail the Scottish Open champion as he looked to cement his place on the first page of the leaderboard, which saw US Open champion Brooks Koepka and Open contender Kevin Kisner play themselves into the frame.
Overnight leader Gary Woodland, still on course at the time of writing, continued to deliver and keep himself out in front but certainly with plenty of high-profile names ready to pounce.
A seven-footer on the 4th helped Stone get that earlier drop back before he closed with a string of pars.
South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel is currently on course and posted -6 for the day, a round that has him tied with Stone in fourth.
Photo: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
