|
 The Masters and U.S. Open champion, playing his first PGA Tour event
in three weeks, mixed an eagle at the par-five second with six
birdies and a lone bogey to finish the second round at seven-under
135, five strokes off the pace.
Long-hitting Justin Thomas, co-leader overnight, fired a five-birdie
67 at the TPC Deere Run to take over on his own at the top, with
fellow Americans Johnson Wagner (63) and Tom Gillis (65) a further
stroke back at 11 under.
Spieth, who took time off after his U.S. Open win at Chambers Bay
last month, was delighted to rebound from an opening 71 where his
short game was especially rusty.
"Today was a big step forward," said the 21-year-old, who is using
the tournament to tune up for next week's British Open where he will
aim to add the third leg of a grand slam of the majors.
"I was not feeling great after Wednesday (the pro-am), and then
after yesterday ... but to come out today and shoot a solid round
when I know I needed to and to have my putter working when I knew I
needed it to gives me a lot of confidence.
"I putted about as well today as I have the past couple months,"
said Spieth, who totaled just 25 putts in the second round.
"Ultimately this was a big day for me in my preparation for next
week."
Some have questioned the plan by Spieth to arrive at St. Andrews
just three days before the start of the British Open but the
American is happy with his preparations for the year's third major.
"I got a good amount of practice in and I'll be able to adjust to
the speed and the conditions there," he said. "I feel like I'll be
able to do that in a couple days.
[to top of second column] |
"It is a career goal of mine to have a career grand slam (of the
majors). If it happens in one year, that would be pretty special.
I'm just focused on St. Andrews."
Rookie Thomas, seeking his first PGA Tour victory, was "very
excited" to be leading after 36 holes.
"I stayed really patient, I kept hitting my lines and my birdies
were pretty low-stress," said Thomas. "I'm in a good spot."
The cut fell at four-under 138 with former major winners Lucas
Glover, Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman and David Toms among those in
failing to advance.
(Reporting by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Greg
Stutchbury)
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
