|
 Scott, who replaced Tiger Woods as golf's leading player on
Monday, was in danger of missing the cut after an unimpressive front
nine but found his game in time to avoid an embarrassing early exit
from Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth.
"I've got to have a low 60 tomorrow and try and get myself in with a
realistic shout on Sunday," Australian Scott told Golf Channel after
shooting a two-under-par 68 for a one-under 139 halfway total.
"I was a little shaky of the tee on the front side (but) I just
started hitting some good shots on the back nine."
The 33-year-old picked up shots from close range at the 12th and
13th holes and his closing birdie, from 20 feet after hitting a nice
approach shot from a divot, certainly boosted his spirits as he
extended the PGA Tour's longest cut streak to 34.
"I felt really good coming in," Scott said. "Hopefully it was a sign
of what's to come on the weekend. Tomorrow is an important day for
me now."
While Scott attracted a large afternoon gallery, the unheralded
Garnett was barely noticed as he took control of the tournament by
firing a 66 in the morning to head fellow Americans Chris Stroud
(64) and Robert Streb (68) by one stroke.
The FedExCup points leader Jimmy Walker (68) was two shots off the
pace after almost collecting a birdie of the feathered variety at
the 17th hole, where his ball appeared to brush a bird high in the
sky just after the apex of his tee shot. First round leader Dustin
Johnson (70) was also two strokes back.
"I haven't hit the ball great this year but typically the strength
of my game is hitting fairways and greens," said Garnett. "I'm just
trying to hit as many greens as possible and I've had the putter
working so far."
[to top of second column] |
Garnett, 30, is having a decent first season on the U.S. circuit and
occupies 101st place in the FedExCup standings.
"Each and every week the rookies feel more comfortable," he said.
"I know I have. You may not get into some tournaments you'd like but
it's been fun and I'm learning each and every day."
Just eight strokes separate the 75 players who made the cut. World
number four Matt Kuchar, who could have gone to top spot with a
victory this week, instead bowed out early, only his second missed
cut since the PGA Championship in August, 2012.
(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Mark
Lamport-Stokes)
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
